Epicampoptera marantica

Systematic position: Epicampoptera marantica is a moth species belonging to the order Lepidoptera and the family Drepanidae. As a specialized insect, it is recognized as a significant pest in coffee-growing regions, particularly throughout parts of sub-Saharan Africa where climatic conditions favor its population growth.

Host crops: The primary host of this pest is the coffee plant (Coffea species). It poses a severe threat to commercial coffee plantations, affecting both Arabica and Robusta varieties, and can impact nursery seedlings as well as mature trees, causing significant concern for agricultural productivity.

Biology and life cycle: The life cycle of Epicampoptera marantica includes the egg stage, the larval stage (caterpillars), the pupal stage, and the adult moth stage. The caterpillars are the primary feeding stage, emerging from eggs deposited on the underside of leaves, and undergo several instars before pupating, often within folded leaf segments.

Damage and economic impact: The caterpillars feed aggressively on coffee foliage. This feeding behavior leads to skeletonization or complete defoliation of the trees. A significant reduction in leaf area decreases the tree's photosynthetic capacity, which directly results in poor fruit development, reduced yields, and long-term tree stress.

Control measures: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is essential for controlling this moth. Strategies include regular field scouting to identify early infestations, the mechanical removal of infested leaves, the conservation of natural predators (such as parasitic wasps), and the strategic application of biological pesticides or selective insecticides when pest populations exceed economic thresholds.