California-invasion
Guides
Epiphyas postvittana
light brown apple moth, LBAM, apple leaf roller
Epiphyas postvittana, the light brown apple moth, is a highly polyphagous tortricid moth native to Australia. It has become an invasive agricultural pest in multiple countries including New Zealand, Hawaii, the United Kingdom, and California, where it was first detected in 2006. The species feeds on over 250 plant species across numerous families, with larvae causing damage as leafrolling caterpillars. Its broad host range and high reproductive potential make it a significant threat to horticultural industries worldwide.
Rhynchophorus palmarum
South American palm weevil, American palm weevil, black palm weevil
Rhynchophorus palmarum is a large black palm weevil native to the Neotropics that has become a destructive invasive pest in southern California. Adults are attracted to volatile compounds released by injured palms, where females lay eggs in the crown. Larvae burrow into the palm heart, causing direct damage and creating wounds that facilitate secondary infections. The weevil is the primary vector of the red ring nematode (Bursaphelenchus cocophilus), which causes lethal red ring disease in palms. In its native range, larvae have been consumed as food for centuries.