Agronomic entomology in Eritrea and Ethiopia V Origin, morphology and biology of Z dysmephila and injury produced by it to Eritrea
Janone, G.
Riv Agric Subtrop E Trop Florence 42(10/12): 230-250
1948
Document Number: 279008
In 1939, heavy damage was produced by Z. dysmephila on Phoenix canariensis. an ornamental palm. Observations were continued in 1944 and 1945. The pest is common in Senegal and Uganda to S. Africa. Detailed morph. descrs. are given of all stages. Observations were made at Asmara at 2300 m. altitude. Adults hide during the day, leave their shelters at noon and fly at night. They are most abundant during Feb.-Mar., May-June, and Oct.-Nov. The continuous growth of the palms probably allows for a variable number of generations of the pest. Adults feed and mate at noon. Eggs are laid throughout the day on surfaces of palm leaflets, where they are fixed with a gum-like substance, and hatch in 20-30 days. Larvae feed during the whole day. Chrysalids are formed in chambers built up from leaf particles. In the laboratory nymohosis lasts 18-25 days. Other palms, e.g., Chamaerops humilis and P dactylifera. are also damaged. These palms are not indigenous, but were imported from Sicily and s. Italy where Z. dysmephila is unknown. As introduction from other African regions seems improbable the hypothesis is established that the insect is endemic in Eritrea. Parasites have not been observed. Control consists in collecting larvae and eggs and in spraying with insecticides.