Boring-insect
Guides
Metamasius hemipterus
Silky Cane Weevil, West Indian Sugarcane Weevil, moleque-da-bananeira, broca-rajada
Metamasius hemipterus is a weevil species in the family Dryophthoridae, commonly known as the silky cane weevil or West Indian sugarcane weevil. It is a significant agricultural pest of sugarcane, banana, coconut, and ornamental palms. The species has been introduced to multiple regions beyond its native range and is now established across the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. Larvae bore into plant stalks and stems, causing direct and indirect damage that reduces crop productivity. The species is known to use aggregation pheromones and is associated with the endosymbiont "Candidatus Nardonella dryophthoridicola".
Synanthedon decipiens
oakgall clearwing, oak gall borer, Oak Gall Borer Moth
Synanthedon decipiens is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, found in eastern North America. The species develops as a borer within woody oak galls formed by cynipid wasps. Adults are active primarily in June, with a possible second generation in September in some regions. The moth exhibits effective wasp mimicry, with a slender body, narrow transparent wings, and yellow abdominal banding.