Description

Adult

Wingspan of 22-28 mm in males and 26-35 mm in females. Forewings white with vein R1 adjoining vein Sc. Hindwings white and frenulum spines single. Anal tufts are orange red in female.

Larvae

Smooth, white to cream coloured with a red coloured mid dorsal stripe.

Eggs

Laid in masses on the upper side of leaves near the growing point. Egg masses are covered in tufts of orange-brown hairs from the female.

Distribution

Southern Asia and Oceania

Economic Host(s)

Rice, sugarcane and wheat.

Symptoms/Signs

Early instars feed on unfurling leaves before later boring into the heart of the plant and stems. The top shoot becomes withered and stunted.

Generations:

3-5 (climate dependent)