Coffee clearwing hawkmoth

Systematic position: The coffee clearwing hawkmoth (Cephonodes hylas) belongs to the order Lepidoptera and the family Sphingidae. It is a highly mobile moth with partially transparent wings, making it easily distinguishable from other hawkmoth species.

Host plants: The primary hosts for this pest are species belonging to the family Rubiaceae. It is a well-known pest of coffee plants (Coffea) and gardenias (Gardenia), which can suffer significant foliage loss if infestations are left unchecked.

Biology and life cycle: The life cycle progresses through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Females lay eggs singly on the undersides of leaves. Upon hatching, the larvae (caterpillars) begin feeding immediately. They go through several instars before burrowing into the soil to pupate. The species thrives in warm climates where multiple generations can occur annually.

Nature of damage: The damage is primarily caused by the larval stage. Young caterpillars skeletonize leaves, while older, larger caterpillars consume whole leaves, often leaving only the main veins. This defoliation stresses the plants, disrupts photosynthesis, and can significantly reduce fruit yield in coffee plantations.

Control measures: Management strategies require a combination of monitoring and intervention. Effective approaches include:

• Regular inspection of leaves for egg masses and larvae.
• Manual removal in gardens or small-scale nurseries.
• Application of microbial insecticides like Bacillus thuringiensis.
• Utilization of chemical insecticides where appropriate, ensuring compliance with harvest safety intervals.
• Preservation of natural parasitoids that help regulate population numbers.