Description

Adult

Forewing length of 7-11.5 mm. Forewings are brown to reddish brown with a dark brown pretornal spot (spot present along rear of forewing) that is more pronounced in females. Hindwings are pale brown with a recurve in the margin. Males have sex scales on the hindwing, hind tibia and abdomen. Genitalic dissection is usually necessary to determine species.

Larvae

Late instars reach 13-20 mm in length. The body is yellowish-white turning reddish in the final instar. Pinacula (hardened sclerotised areas) are usually large & darker than rest of body. The head and prothoracic shield are dark brown to black in early instars, turning pale yellowish-brown to pinkish in the final instar. Anal come may be absent or present. If present the comb consists of 4-6 teeth

Eggs

White, round & flat, with a diameter of ca. 1mm. Laid singly or in small groups of up to 15 eggs on the fruit.

Distribution

Australasia, South and South-eastern Asia, Hawaii.

Economic Host(s)

Tamarind, macadamia, citrus & lychee

Symptoms/Signs

Larvae bore into the fruit or pod and feed on the seeds. Husk damage often results in early fruit drop.

Generations:

From 3 to continuous generations