Ficus-pest
Guides
Choreutis sexfasciella
Banyan Leaf Skeletonizer Moth
Choreutis sexfasciella is a small moth in the family Choreutidae, commonly known as the Banyan Leaf Skeletonizer Moth. First described from the Philippines in 1902, the species has undergone rapid range expansion in recent years, establishing populations across the Mediterranean region, North America, and other areas. It is strongly associated with Ficus host plants, particularly Ficus microcarpa and F. benjamina, in urban environments. The species has been identified as a non-native invasive with observable socioeconomic impacts in introduced ranges.
Lymire
Edwards' wasp moth (Lymire edwardsii)
Lymire is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Francis Walker in 1854. The genus contains approximately 13 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. The most well-documented species, Lymire edwardsii (Edwards' wasp moth), is known as a significant pest of Ficus trees in Florida. Most species in this genus remain poorly studied with limited biological data available.
Macrohomotoma
Macrohomotoma is a genus of psyllids in the family Homotomidae, established by Kuwayama in 1908. The genus contains approximately 15 described species of plant-parasitic hemipterans. Best-known species include Macrohomotoma gladiata, a significant pest of ornamental Ficus trees that has expanded from its native Asian range to become invasive in the Mediterranean region and elsewhere. The genus is characterized by association with Ficus host plants and production of conspicuous waxy secretions.
Macrohomotoma gladiata
Curtain Fig Psyllid
Macrohomotoma gladiata is an invasive Asian psyllid that has established populations across the Mediterranean Basin and California, where it infests ornamental Ficus microcarpa. Nymphs feed on young tissues, producing dense white waxy secretions and honeydew that promotes sooty mould growth and causes twig dieback. The species has a likely bivoltine life cycle with possible partial third generation; young nymphs overwinter under stipules without development, resuming growth in spring. Natural enemies include a Psyllaephagus parasitoid that can achieve high parasitism rates, and the predatory bug Anthocoris nemoralis.
Singhiella simplex
Ficus whitefly
Singhiella simplex is an invasive whitefly species in the family Aleyrodidae, native to Asia and now established across multiple continents. It is a specialist pest of Ficus species, causing severe defoliation of ornamental trees and hedges. The species has spread to North America, Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and the Middle East. Its rapid expansion and economic impact on urban landscaping have prompted extensive research into its biology and biological control options.