Length of 10 – 15 mm. Ground colour a dark brown to grey black and shining. All tibia armed with extensive hook like extensions.
Larvae
When mature about 12 mm long. Body is white and the head capsule dark reddish-brown. The last two abdominal segments are modified into a plate like structure giving a chopped off appearance. Eighth abdominal segment has a large elongate spiracle.
Eggs
White and sausage shaped, ca. 2mm long. Deposited singly into cavities created in leaf sheaths and stems and also on the corm.
Distribution
Southern and western Africa, southern Europe, southern Asia, Australasia and Central and South America.
Economic Host(s)
Banana and Plantain (Musa).
Symptons/Signs
Young larvae initially feed on surface tissue causing the outermost leaf sheaths to die. Later the larvae tunnel into the inner sheaths and pseudostem base. Larval tunnelling can be extensive. The plant is weakened and can be blown over.
Generations
1-3
Monitoring
Adults Present
Year Round (when temperatures are above 12 o C)
Recommended Trap Density
5-10 traps per hectare for uniform and dense plantations and 10-15 traps per hectare in less dense or mixed plant stands.
Trap Maintenance
Check traps on a regular basis; at least twice a week. It is recommended to replace the pheromone dispensers every 4 weeks to achieve optimum results.
Storage
Keep product away from direct sunlight, heat, sparks and open flame. Store in a refrigerator for a shelf life of 12 months or a freezer for an extended life of 24 months.
Always store sealed in original packaging.
