Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 July 2009
The moth, Hieroxestis subcervinella, Wlk., has recently become a pest of economic importance to the banana cultivators in the Canary Islands.
Notes on the genus Hieroxestis and on the synonymy and distribution of the moth are included, and descriptions of the various stages of the insect are given. Details regarding the external morphology and chaetotaxy of the full-grown larva are enumerated, and setal maps showing the distribution of the setae have been added.
The pupa is described in detail, and sex characters are noted.
The economic importance of the pest is considered in its relation to its host-plants, while its method of attack and resulting injuries caused are discussed.
The insect is considered as apodemic in the Canary Islands, and no parasitic natural enemies were encountered.