L is for Levuana Moth

A painting of a Levuana moth on lantana flowers

Levuana Moth, aka Fijian Coconut Moth
Levuana iridescens

Where it lived: on Viti Levu, the largest island of the Fiji archipelago

Last seen in: The last known specimen was collected in 1941 with possible observations in 1953 and 1956

Declared extinct by IUCN in: 1994

Extinction causes:

  • The purposeful introduction of a biological control agent, the parasitic fly Bessa remota

Man versus moth: In the early 20th century, on Viti Levu in Fiji, Levuana moth larvae began decimating coconut palms. Their preference for these trees created a grim conflict with the Fijian people, who relied on coconuts for food, water, medicine, income, and more. By 1925, attempts to control the species had all failed, and the English-born entomologist and agriculturist J.D. Tothill determined that biological control was the best measure. After his team introduced a parasitic fly from Malaysia, the Levuana moth virtually disappeared from Fiji, with possible sightings into the 1950s. Though some experts remain unconvinced, Levuana iridenscens is widely regarded as extinct.