Cossid moths (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) as pests of woody plants – A review

Abstract

The Cossidae is a worldwide family of macro-moths popularly known as carpenter moths due to the larval habit of boring in the wood of living plants. This review compiles current knowledge on the characteristics, diversity and bionomy of cossid moths as well as the damage they cause on woody plants. Adult cossids are nocturnal, robust and generally have a low dispersal ability. Their habitat is very diverse from desert to boreal forests and high mountains. They have a long life cycle that varies from 1 to 3 years, the majority of which is spent in the larval stage. Most cossid larvae are highly polyphagous caterpillars and can migrate both intra-host and inter-host. Twenty-six species of cossid have been reported as pests of commercial woody plants in forestry and horticulture. The feeding tunnels of cossid larvae can make large branches or trunks of small trees prone to wind breakage and can lead to tree decline and mortality. Cossid larvae damage reduces growth, yield, quality of fruit and wood as well as its commercial value. Current knowledge on cossid pest management is reviewed highlighting the importance of pheromone traps and the need for an integrated pest management approach for effective control. Lastly, future risks and challenges are discussed.