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Teak defoliator

Teak defoliator

Hyblaea puera

A species of Hyblaea

Hyblaea puera, the teak defoliator, is a moth native to south-east Asia. It was first described by Pieter Cramer in 1777. The species has also been recently reported to be present in Central America and Africa. The caterpillar feeds on teak and other trees. It is considered to be one of the major teak pests around the world.

General Info About Teak defoliator
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Attributes of Teak defoliator
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Red
Gray
White
Habitat
Hyblaea puera occurs in forests across southern Asia from India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, through Thailand and the rest of south-east Asia to New Guinea, and north Queensland in Australia. Recent reports place it in Guadeloupe, and Suriname.
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, honeydew, sap oozes, juice from fruits, water from puddles
Larva Food Source
Teak (tectona grandis), african mahogany (khaya senegalensis), guava (psidium guajava), jaar (stereospermum chelonoides), white cedar (melia azedarach)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Teak defoliator
Widespread
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Distribution Area of Teak defoliator
South Asia, South-east Asia, Central America and Africa
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Life Cycle of Teak defoliator
Egg The egg of teak defoliator serves as the initial life stage, displaying a small, often spherical or ovate shape. The color may vary, commonly blending with the host plant, providing camouflage from predators.
Larva Teak defoliator begins life as a larva, featuring a segmented body with a distinct head and chewing mouthparts for feeding. Coloration and patterns serve as both camouflage and warning to predators.
Pupal As a pupa, teak defoliator undergoes significant transformation within a protective casing. During this stage, the organism appears dormant externally but is undergoing extensive reorganization internally.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult teak defoliator’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Interesting Facts About Teak defoliator
When threatened, the larvae of teak defoliator can launch themselves into the air, flipping backwards to escape predators.
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Scientific Classification of Teak defoliator
Tips for Finding Teak defoliator
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Youth Habitat of Teak defoliator
Tropical Rainforests, Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Teak defoliator
Tropical Rainforests, Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Teak defoliator Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of teak defoliator are typically found on the under-surfaces of host plant leaves. Caterpillars can be found within infested leaves which they web together with silk. Pupation occurs in a cocoon within folded leaves or among plant debris at the base of the host plant. Therefore, to search for the various growth stages, one should focus on leaf undersides for eggs, look for joined leaves or signs of feeding for larvae, and inspect leaf litter or the bases of plants for pupae. Adult teak defoliator are usually found near their host plants and are often attracted to light, making them easier to spot at night.
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How and Where Can You Find Teak defoliator at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of teak defoliator are often found on the underside of host plant leaves. Inspect these areas carefully for small, round or oval eggs laid in clusters.
Larva Teak defoliator caterpillars can be found on or near their host plants. Look for signs of feeding such as chewed leaves, and search both sides of the leaves and along the stems.
Pupal Pupae of teak defoliator could be located in sheltered spots on or near the host plants, such as in curled leaves or in the crevices of bark. Careful examination of these areas can yield sightings of the pupae.
Adult Adult teak defoliator are typically encountered on or near host plants during their active hours at night. They can also be attracted to light sources, so setting up a light trap can aid in their collection.
Are Teak defoliator harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Teak defoliator
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Forestry Pest

Larvae of teak defoliator feed on the leaves of trees, causing defoliation. A low population leads to minor leaf damage, while a high density can result in severe defoliation, weakening trees and potentially leading to forest decline. The loss of foliage can impact timber production and ecosystem balance, also affecting human interests tied to forest health.

More Effects of Teak defoliator

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