Cordia subcordata recovery after attack by kou leaf worm
The kou leaf worm, Ethmia nigroapicella, is an introduced pest of the native kou tree (Cordia subcordata) in Hawaii. First detected in 1883, this invasive month species initially caused widespread mortality of kou across the islands. Today, while attacks from the moth may occasionally result in complete defoliation, most trees survive. This moth is the reason that many Hawaii landscapers use the exotic geiger tree (Cordia sebestena) instead of the native kou.
Cordia subcordata recovery after attack by kou leaf worm
The kou leaf worm, Ethmia nigroapicella, is an introduced pest of the native kou tree (Cordia subcordata) in Hawaii. First detected in 1883, this invasive month species initially caused widespread mortality of kou across the islands. Today, while attacks from the moth may occasionally result in complete defoliation, most trees survive. This moth is the reason that many Hawaii landscapers use the exotic geiger tree (Cordia sebestena) instead of the native kou.