Description

Adult

Wingspan of 25-35 mm. Forewings are pale brown to dark brown with darker markings. Hind wings are white to grey brown.

Larvae

Larvae lack conspicuous hairs or markings. Typically, creamy-white in colour with a grey or pink tinge. Head capsule is dark brown and prothoracic plate is yellowish brown. Spiracles are elongate oval with black edges.

Eggs

Hemispherical with radial ridges, 0.8 – 1 mm in diameter. Creamy white in colour changing to a darker shade with age. Laid in batches under leaf sheaths.

Distribution

Mainland sub-saharan Africa.

Economic Host(s)

Arable crops, in particular maize, sorghum, millet and sugarcane.

Symptoms/Signs

Early instars feed solely within leaf whorls producing holes and windowpanes. Later instars feed on growing points causing central leaves to die forming dry withered dead hearts. Stem breakage also occurs.

Generations:

Generations: 3