Opisina is a monotypic moth genus in the family Xyloryctidae described by Francis Walker in 1864. Its only species, Opisina arenosella, the coconut black-headed caterpillar, was described by the same author in the same year.[1] It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar.[2]

Opisina
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Xyloryctidae
Subfamily: Xyloryctinae
Genus: Opisina
Walker, 1864
Species:
O. arenosella
Binomial name
Opisina arenosella
Walker, 1864

The wingspan is 10–15 mm (0.39–0.59 in). Adults are grey.

The larvae are gregarious and are serious pests of coconut trees. They defoliate their host plant.[3]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Opisina". Insecta.pro.
  2. ^ Savela, Markku. "Opisina Walker, 1864". Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  3. ^ Nasser, M.; Abdurahiman, U. C. (2001). "Biological Control of the Coconut Caterpillar Opisina Arenosella (Lepidoptera: Xylorictidae): Achievements and Prospects". Biocontrol Potential and its Exploitation in Sustainable Agriculture. pp. 285–305. doi:10.1007/978-1-4615-1377-3_17. ISBN 978-1-4613-5523-6.