Pawpaw-pest
Guides
Elope sphinx
Alope sphinx
Erinnyis alope is a sphinx moth (Sphingidae) distributed across the Neotropics from northern South America through Central America to northern Mexico and the southern United States. The species has been recorded as a stray as far north as Arkansas and Kansas. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate E. a. alope and E. a. dispersa endemic to the Galápagos Islands. The species is considered an agricultural pest, with larvae feeding principally on pawpaw (Carica papaya), and also recorded on rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) and cassava (Manihot esculenta).
Talponia plummeriana
speckled talponia moth, pawpaw peduncle borer
Talponia plummeriana is a small tortricid moth native to the southeastern United States, commonly known as the pawpaw peduncle borer due to its specialized larval feeding on pawpaw (Asimina) plants. The species is notable for its ability to tolerate annonacin, a toxic compound found in pawpaws that deters most other insects. Larval boring into flower peduncles can cause significant fruit yield reduction, making this species economically relevant to pawpaw cultivation.