Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds

View full fact sheet

Summary

• Worldwide distribution. In Oceania, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands. Possible biocontrol of Crotalaria, rattle pod, a poisonous weed to cattle.
• Young larvae eat leaves, older ones bore into stem.
• Eggs on top of leaves in rows along midrib. Larvae with black and white rings. Adults, orange with black spots on forewings.
• Said to be important in Fiji for checking spread of Crotalaria; Not thought effective in Australia.
• Management: No information.