Erionota thrax

Definition

A large skipper butterfly (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) native to tropical Asia from India through Southeast Asia to Papua New Guinea, with introduced populations on Pacific islands including Hawaii and the Solomon Islands. The larvae are significant pests of banana (Musa spp.) and palms (Arecaceae), rolling leaves to form shelters while feeding. Adults are characterized by brown wings with yellowish markings and prominent red eyes.

Etymology

Example

In Hawaii, Erionota thrax has become a notable pest of ornamental palms and banana plantations, where rolled-leaf shelters produced by larvae are diagnostic of infestation.

Synonyms

• palm redeye
• Banana skipper

Related Terms

• Hesperiidae
• Lepidoptera
• Erionota
• leaf roller
• banana pest
• Invasive species

Usage Notes

The nominate subspecies E. t. thrax occurs across the native range; additional subspecies (E. t. hasdrubal, E. t. mindana) are recognized in parts of Southeast Asia. Distinguish from other Erionota species by larval host association and adult wing pattern. In invasion biology literature, often cited as a case study of island colonization by agricultural pests.