Seagrape
Guides
Ametris
seagrape spanworm moth (for Ametris nitocris)
Ametris is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Desmobathrinae, established by Hübner in 1822. The genus contains two described species: Ametris monilaria (Fabricius, 1776) and Ametris nitocris (Cramer, 1780), the latter commonly known as the seagrape spanworm moth. The genus is classified within the geometer moth family, a large group characterized by slender bodies and larvae that move with a looping gait.
Ametris nitocris
seagrape spanworm moth, greater inchworm
Ametris nitocris, commonly known as the seagrape spanworm moth, is a geometrid moth species described by Pieter Cramer in 1780. The species occurs throughout the Neotropical region, from the southern United States through Central America to South America, including the Caribbean islands. Its larvae are known locally in Florida as the greater inchworm and feed specifically on seagrape (Coccoloba diversifolia).
Hexeris
Hexeris is a genus of moths in the family Thyrididae. The genus includes the seagrape borer (Hexeris enhydris), a species native to Florida and the Caribbean whose larvae bore into twigs of seagrape and pigeon-plum.
Hexeris enhydris
Seagrape borer
A moth in the family Thyrididae whose larvae bore into the twigs of seagrape and pigeon-plum, causing damage to these coastal plants. Native to Florida and the Caribbean, it is primarily known for its larval boring behavior rather than adult activity. The species has been studied for its economic impact on ornamental and native coastal vegetation.
Petrusa
Petrusa is a genus of planthoppers in the family Flatidae, subfamily Flatinae. Members of this genus are found in the Neotropical region, with Petrusa epilepsis being a notable species associated with seagrape and other host plants in the Caribbean. The genus is characterized by the typical flatid morphology with wings held tent-like over the body and parallel cross-veins along the costal margin of the forewings.
Petrusa epilepsis
Sea Grape Flatid
Petrusa epilepsis, commonly known as the Sea Grape Flatid, is a planthopper in the family Flatidae native to the Caribbean region. Adults are covered in a distinctive frosty, white waxy coating and hold their wings in a tent-like posture characteristic of the subfamily Flatinae. The species feeds on multiple host plants including seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera), coffee, coco-plum, jasmine, and black mangrove, and has been recorded as a pest causing direct feeding damage and promoting sooty mold growth through honeydew excretion. Originally described from Puerto Rico, it has been documented across the West Indies and has been detected in Florida, raising concerns about its potential to become an invasive pest in mainland tropical and subtropical regions.