Oil palm borer moth

Systematic position. Pimelephila ghesquieri belongs to the order Lepidoptera and the family Pyralidae. It is a highly specialized moth species recognized as a significant pest affecting oil palm (*Elaeis guineensis*) cultivation, primarily within the African region where it can cause substantial yield losses.

Host crops and damage patterns. The primary host is the oil palm. The larval stage is the most destructive, as larvae bore into the soft tissues at the base of the leaf petioles and the apical meristem. This boring activity disrupts the transport of nutrients, leads to the wilting of the spear leaf, and can ultimately result in the death of the growing point of the palm.

Biology and lifecycle. The lifecycle consists of egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Females typically oviposit near the bases of young leaves. Once hatched, the larvae immediately seek entry into the palm tissue. They remain protected inside these galleries throughout their development, which complicates control efforts, before pupating within the excavated chambers.

Economic impact. The infestation by Pimelephila is particularly devastating for young oil palm plantations. Chronic damage stunts the growth of the trees, reduces fruit bunch production, and makes the palms susceptible to secondary infestations by weevils and various fungal pathogens that exploit the damaged plant tissues.

Protection measures. Managing the oil palm borer requires an integrated approach:

• Regular field scouting to detect early signs of infestation, such as frass around leaf axils.
• Pruning and destroying heavily infested palm parts to reduce larval populations.
• Application of systemic insecticides specifically targeted at the leaf bases.
• Promoting natural enemies and biological control agents to keep pest levels below economic thresholds.