Bark-feeding Kamalia priapus (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) damaging Homalium ceylanicum trees in Vietnam

Abstract

Kamalia priapus (Schitlmeister, 1997) (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) is a dangerous species which larva is bark-feeding and damaging Homalium ceylanicum trees in plantations and urban areas in Vietnam. Recent field surveys conducted in the central provinces of Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien Hue in Vietnam highlighted the significant impact of K. priapus on H. ceylanicum trees. Their findings reveal a damage incidence (P%) ranging from 30.6 to 36.5% and damage index (DI) between 1.01 to 1.33 in plantations. Furthermore, effects were observed in urban areas with P% increasing to 39.5–51.3% and DI reaching 1.50–1.68. The extensive damage caused by K. priapus has significantly affected the growth and quality of the trees, resulting in numerous large scars on the trunks of the affected trees. To effectively control the pest, breaking nests and killing the larvae may be helpful. However, it is crucial to implement these methods when the larvae are still young. Future research directions have been proposed to understand the biological and ecological characteristics of K. priapus and developed management solutions to control this pest.