Opisina arenosella

Description

The Coconut black headed caterpillar (Opisina arenosella), is a species of moth found in multiple regions throughout East Asian countries including Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Mayanmar, as well as Indonesia. It is considered a pest to these countries, as they infest coconut palm trees, causing considerable damage to the trees, and reducing the plant's yield significantly. This is a great burden to all countries who experience infestations, as coconut is one of the main crops driving the economy. The species exists on coconut palms in all forms, from larval to moth, and utilizes the tree fronds as a main source of nutrition. Various methods of control have been explored, yet the primary control method is the administration of pesticides directly to the root of the coconut palms.