Prediction of suitable habitat for the coconut black-headed caterpillar, Opisina arenosella (Walker) in China.

[Objectives] The coconut black-headed caterpillar(BHC), Opisina arenosella Walker, a dangerous invasive pest of palm trees, has been newly found in Hainan, Guangdong and Guangxi in 2013, and is spreading further. [Methods] The potential geographic distribution of BHC was studied using CLIMEX. [Results] The results show that this species has a broad potential range in China and that the region south of the Yangtze River contains highly suitable habitat with suitable host plants for this pest. [Conclusion] Quarantine and monitoring measures should be enhanced in order to prevent the spread of this pest.