Defoliation of Termnalia ivorensis by the larvae of Epicerura pulverulenta Hampson (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) at the Forestry and Environment Arboretum, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Terminalia ivorensis ( Idigbo or black afara) is a useful hard wood of the humid tropics of Africa. It is currently under threat due to over exploitation as well as poor regeneration. Qualitative studies was carried out in a mixed population of T. ivorensis and some fruit and medicinal trees at the Forestry and Environment Arboretum, Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) . Data presentation was done visually and pictorially. It was observed that the larvae of Epicerura pulverulenta with a Diameter of 1.5cm and Length of 7.1cm. The larvae are aggressive defoliator of T.ivorensis. Defoliation of entire plant stand occurred less than 7days. It was also noticed that defoliation was selective as other plants were not affected.This is the first report on E. pulverulenta invasion of T.ivorensis in Rivers State and Nigeria in general. Conclusively, the larvae of E.pulverulenta are a major threat to the growth and establishment of T. ivorensis.

Keywords: Epicerura pulverulenta, T. ivorensis, Arboretum, Defoliator

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