Phidotricha
Ragonot, 1889
Species Guides
1Phidotricha is a of snout moths (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Epipaschiinae) established by Ragonot in 1889. The genus includes at least one economically significant , Phidotricha erigens, which was first documented as a coffee pest in Amazonian Robusta plantations in Rondônia, Brazil. Members of this genus are associated with tropical agricultural , with larvae feeding on reproductive structures of plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phidotricha: //ˌfɪdəˈtrɪkə//
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Identification
-level diagnostic features for Phidotricha are not explicitly documented in available sources. within the genus may be distinguished by wing pattern and larval ; Phidotricha erigens have light-gray forewings with black spots and transverse lines, approximately 14 mm wingspan, while larvae reach 12 mm with five instars and a medial longitudinal line from prothorax to .
Habitat
Tropical agricultural landscapes, specifically commercial coffee plantations. Documented from Amazonian Robusta coffee crops in Rondônia state, Brazil, characterized by tropical rainy climate (Aw Köppen), average altitude 277 m, rainfall 2,250 mm, temperature 26°C, and 85% relative humidity.
Distribution
Neotropical region. Documented from Rondônia state, Brazil (Rolim de Moura and Novo Horizonte do Oeste); historically recorded from Puerto Rico (1888), Colombia, and Peru.
Seasonality
Absent from coffee trees in Rondônia from February to June; present during flowering and fruit development stages of coffee plants.
Human Relevance
Phidotricha erigens is an agricultural pest causing economic damage to coffee production, particularly Amazonian Robusta (Coffea canephora) in Brazil. It was first recorded worldwide as a coffee pest in 2025, predominating over co-occurring Cryptoblabes gnidiella in frequency and likely causing the greatest damage to coffee in Rondônia state.
Similar Taxa
- Cryptoblabes gnidiellaCo-occurs as rosette caterpillar pest in Amazonian Robusta coffee; causes similar injuries to coffee reproductive structures; distinguished by lower frequency in sampled crops (65% vs. 90.5-100% for Phidotricha erigens).
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The Phidotricha was established by Émile-Louis Ragonot in 1889. It is classified in the Epipaschiinae of Pyralidae.
Research Priority
As a newly recognized coffee pest with limited published research, detailed biological studies on Phidotricha remain needed, particularly regarding , range beyond coffee, and management strategies.