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)