Mahogany trees are attacked by two caterpillars which inflict a large amount of damage every year. One of these, Heteronygmiu leucogyna, Hmp. (Lymantriidae), eats the leaves, while the other, Mussidia albipartalis, Hmp. (Pyralidae), bores under the bark, causing much deformity of young trees and the formation of corky excrescences, accompanied by the exudation of resin.