Potosia opaca, an Insect Newly Found on Canary Palm (Phoenix canariensis) in Tunisia

Abstract

Ornamental palm tree Phoenix canariensis has been introduced in Tunisia at late 1800's and becomes a symbol of the city landscape in different localities. P. canariensis was seriously attacked since 2011 by the red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. Recently a new pest Potosia opaca was detected in North of Tunisia on living P. canariensis trees solely or associated with RPW. P.opaca develops one generation per a year; adult mating takes place in June-July and females lay in humus inside decayed trunks of living palms tree. Larva lives in most accumulations of organic matter inside trunks between fibers and sheaths into close proximity with live wood. The pupa stage lasts on average 50 days. P.opaca lives on living trees and seems not to be associated with tree mortality. However it is essential to consider a number of indirect damage as this insect is likely becoming a vector of many pathogens.

Keywords

• Biology
• Phoenix canariensis
• Potosia opaca
• repartition area
• Tunisia