Nombre Cientifico: Megalopyge krugii(Dewitz)

Nombre Común: La plumilla A very common insect in the Island. The caterpillar is very distinctive. The size of the larva is 25-30 mm. when fully grown and is covered by white hairs with brittle spines.

La Plumilla

Habits: The caterpillar is a leaf feeder and when abundant it causes defoliations, sometimes of considerable importance. It makes its cocoons on the branches and trunk of host trees,

Foto cortesia: Dr. Hipólito O'Farrill

Los siguientes árboles han sido informados como afectados por este insecto en Puerto Rico.
The following trees have been recorded as affected by this insect in Puerto Rico:

Andira inermis (W. Wright) Urban - moca
Brysonima spicata (Cav) Rich - maricao
Cocos nucifera L. - coco
Delonix regia (Bojer) Raf. - flamboyán
Erythrina glauca Willd. - bucaré
Ficus laevigata Vahl. - jaguey
Guaiacum officinale L. - guayacán
Guarea trichilioides L. - guaraguao
Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. - guácima
Inga vera Willd. - guaba
Inga laurina (Sw.) Willd. - guamá
Nectandra sintenissii Mez. - laurel blanco
Ormosia krugii Urban - palo de matos
Psidium guajaba L. - guayaba
Rizophora mangle L. - mangle
Sciacassia siamea (Lam.) Britton - casia amarilla
Spondias purpurea L. - ciruela del país
Terminalia catappa L. - almendra
Triplaris caracasana Cham. - triplaria

Referencia: Martorell, Luis F. 1945. A Survey of the Forest Insects of Puerto Rico. Part II. The Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico. Agricultural Edperiment Station, Rio Piedras, P.R. Page 355-608.