Large Batrachedra Moth

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Luc
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Location: Montpellier - France

Large Batrachedra Moth

#1

Post by Luc »

Since approximately 2 years where I live and 6 years in another part of the south of France, the Yucca elephantipes are parasitized by something really new for us the Large Batrachedra Moth (Batrachedra enormis ).

At the present time they seem attack just Yucca, especially elephantipes but also gloriosa.

Are they a common pests in south western USA where they are from, if yes what are the species affected ?

In the link below you can see some pics of the beast and the results of their attacks on the photos ( Photos: http://www.cosave.fr" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;).

http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.e ... odges=1413" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Gee.S
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Re: Large Batrachedra Moth

#2

Post by Gee.S »

Great pics Luc. I have been investigating a similar issue myself. I have a Y. aloifolia that had acquired some strange unknown affliction several years back. Plants go into a general malaise, and presumably die. Afflicted Yuccas develop thin sheets of crystalline material on, in, and about the core. I have not tasted it, but it looks sugary. I had posted a photo on XW years back, and Brian Kemble from Ruth Bancroft recognized it, and forwarded his tale of a visiting entomologist who not only noticed this peculiar blight, but recommended a cure. Unfortunately, Brian had no recollection of the pest/disease name, but reported that applications of Thuricide cleared their Yuccas, which I can verify is effective. Thing is, Thuricide only kills caterpillars, but I have never found pics of similar damage or pests on my plants, so remain mystified.

While exploring the issue I came across Megathymus yuccae and Tegeticula sp. as possible culprits. Your pics don't look like mine, but may represent a more advanced state of the same problem. I have old pics here somewhere. I'll try to find one.
Agave
"American aloe plant," 1797, from Greek Agaue, proper name in mythology (mother of Pentheus), from agauos "noble," perhaps from agasthai "wonder at".

"Some talk the talk, others walk the walk, but I stalk the stalk"
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Gee.S
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Re: Large Batrachedra Moth

#3

Post by Gee.S »

Found 'em, from 2013. This is what I cured with a product that reportedly only kills moths/caterpillars. What does it all mean?
Yuck 002.JPG
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Agave
"American aloe plant," 1797, from Greek Agaue, proper name in mythology (mother of Pentheus), from agauos "noble," perhaps from agasthai "wonder at".

"Some talk the talk, others walk the walk, but I stalk the stalk"
Luc
Ready to Bolt
Posts: 451
Joined: Mon Jun 09, 2014 1:00 pm
Location: Montpellier - France

Re: Large Batrachedra Moth

#4

Post by Luc »

I have never observed symptoms so important than those of the pictures I posted, usually they are far more inconspicuous like on your Y. aloifolia.
That's not very difficult to treat and one intervention is usually enough to solve the problem. I use Spinosad as phytosanitary product, it works well.
In your case, the good results with the use of Bacillus thurengiensis are not surprising considering that the culprit is a moth. Even if the caterpillar is inside the leaf the product can have an effect.
In the photo below, one can see the aftereffects on a Yucca 'Jewel' treated with Spinosad.
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Gee.S
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Re: Large Batrachedra Moth

#5

Post by Gee.S »

Nice recovery!

I never saw any moths or caterpillars about. In fact I never saw any culprit of any kind. My only clue is the fact that Thuricide cleared it. I shot an email off to Brian Kemble yesterday, and like myself, he has not gained any insight regarding this malady.
Agave
"American aloe plant," 1797, from Greek Agaue, proper name in mythology (mother of Pentheus), from agauos "noble," perhaps from agasthai "wonder at".

"Some talk the talk, others walk the walk, but I stalk the stalk"
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