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New threat to palm trees across Spain
By h.b. - Nov 20, 2009 - 7:47 AM

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A moth from Uruguay is said to be as dangerous as the Red Palm Weevil

Scientists have warned of a new caterpillar and moth which is devastating palm trees in parts of Spain, and doing as much damage as the Red Palm Weevil.

The new caterpillar comes originally from South America and has been detected in Gerona, Alicante, Valencia and Mallorca.
Known as the ‘Palm moth’ (Paysandisia Archon) it is capable of killing a wide range of palms, including the common palm, and the Canary palm.

It’s a large moth with a 9 – 11 cm wingspan and is dark green with brown streaking. The females are larger still and are often mistaken for a butterfly.

Meanwhile the fight against the Red Palm Weevil continues although one specialist, Miguel Ángel Alonso Zaragoza, who collaborates with the CSIC, has called for greater prevention measures using thermal cameras and microwaves. La Opinión de Málaga reports he told a discussion in Málaga that the weevil ‘laughs at insecticides’.

He said specially designed traps can be used and placed round the palm trees, with molasses used as a bait, mixed with water and detergent. ‘A few drops of Fairy liquid are enough’, he said, to cause the weevil to drown.

He voiced doubt that the grinding methods being used by the Junta de Andalucía are working, saying that unless the plaque is burnt the eggs can survive grinding as they are only three millimetres long. He said dead palms should be placed in sealed bags for their transfer to the incinerator.