The Common Fruit-Piercing Moth in the Pacific Region: A Survey of the Current State of a Significant Worldwide Economic Pest, <i>Eudocima phalonia</i> (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), with a Focus on New Caledonia

• Main Authors: Lise Leroy, Christian Mille, Bruno Fogliani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-01-01
• Series: Insects
• Subjects: fruit-piercing moths; New Caledonia; integrated pest management
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/12/2/117

When referring to fruit-piercing moths, the genus <i>Eudocima</i>, and more specifically <i>Eudocima phalonia</i> (Linneaus)<i>,</i> is cited as a worldwide crop pest. Damages associated with this pest are substantial on more than 100 fruit species, wherever it is encountered. In New Caledonia, the once occasional pest has become a serious threat to the current fruit arboriculture. Particularly devastating during outbreak periods, it has become an urgent need to find a suitable solution able to support farmers in the ecological transition of our agricultural models. This review proposes a synthesis of the existing data and publications on <i>E. phalonia</i>, worldwide and especially in New Caledonia, with recent observations. The assessment of this knowledge and the dynamics of the species in the territory of New Caledonia provide key information for a better prospect of adapted solutions.