Leucoptera caffeina

Leucoptera caffeina is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of the long-horned leaf leaf miner ( Lyonetiidae ). Since the nature nated at the leaves of the coffee tree ( Coffea ) and thereby inflicts economic damage in the plantations, it counts as well as other species of the genus Leucoptera to the pests.

Similar Species

• Leucoptera coffeella

Way of life

Leucoptera caffeina prefers dry conditions with low humidity and high temperatures. A female lays up to 60 eggs on the leaf surface. After 20 days, the larvae hatch. The white caterpillars nate directly under the upper Blattepiderimis. For pupation the larvae spin a cocoon in the lower third of the plant where the microclimate is constant. The finished moths have a life expectancy of about two weeks. The adults are nocturnal and are just 6.5 millimeters in size.

Harmful effect

In extreme cases, the coffee plant is damaged mainly by the loss of water, minerals and organic matter, which leads to leaf loss and thus a reduced assimilation. This eventually leads to a reduction in yield in the plantations

Occurrence

The animals originally living in Africa, but include was introduced into South America.