Prediction of suitable habitat for the coconut black-headedcaterpillar, Opisina arenosella (Walker) in China

Author of the article:YAN Wei1, 2** LIU Li1 LI Chao-Xu1*** HUANG Shan-Chun1 Lü Bao-Qian3QIN Wei-Quan1*** PEN

Author's Workplace：1. Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang 571339, China; 2. Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; 3. Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China

Key Words：Opisina arenosella, CLIMEX, favorable area, prediction

Abstract：[Objectives]  The coconut black-headed caterpillar (BHC), Opisina arenosella Walker, a dangerous invasive pest of palm trees, has been newly found in Hainan, Guangdong and Guangxi in 2013, and is spreading further. [Methods]  The potential geographic distribution of BHC was studied using CLIMEX. [Results]  The results show that this species has a broad potential range in China and that the region south of the Yangtze River contains highly suitable habitat with suitable host plants for this pest. [Conclusion]  Quarantine and monitoring measures should be enhanced in order to prevent the spread of this pest.