Teak-defoliator

Guides

• Hyblaeidae

  teak moths

  Hyblaeidae is a family of moths containing approximately 18 species across two genera: Hyblaea (Old World tropics) and Torone (Neotropics). The family's phylogenetic position within Lepidoptera remains uncertain, with studies placing Hyblaeoidea as sister to Pyraloidea or alternatively grouping with Thyridoidea or butterflies. Males possess a specialized 'hair-pencil' on the hindleg. The family is economically significant due to Hyblaea puera, a major defoliator of teak and mangrove species.

  Lepidopteramothsteak-defoliatorforest-pestmangrove-pestinvasive-speciesHyblaea-pueraOld-World-tropicsNeotropicsbiological-control