Ecology and Control of Erinnyis ello and E. alope,Important Insect Pests in the New World

Abstract

The sphingid moth Erinnyis ello L. is an important pest of cassava and the most serious pest of the rubber tree in the New World; E. alope Drury is sometimes a serious pest of papaya. Information on the known food plants, life cycle, behaviour, natural enemies, seasonal abundance and present methods of control of these two lepidopterous pests is reviewed. The perspectives for improved control of E. ello with special reference to rubber plantations in Brazil, through the manipulation of natural enemies, a more rational use of insecticides and the adoption of certain cultural methods, are discussed.