Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton, 1866)
(one synonym : Anerastia lineata)
Rice Moth
GALLERIINAEPYRALIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley

(updated 11 September 2008)

This Caterpillar is green with three pale yellow stripes along the back and one along each side. It is an international pest on stored foodstuffs, eg:

  • Rice ( Oryza sativa, POACEAE ),
  • Cocoa ( Theobroma cacao, STERCULIACEAE ), and
  • Peanuts ( Arachis hypogaea, FABACEAE ).


    cocoon
    (Image: courtesy of Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service)

    The Caterpillar grows to a length of about 2 cms.

    5
    (Image: courtesy of CSIRO Entomology)

    The pheromones of this species have been elucidated.

    It was unfortunately introduced by accident into Australia.

    Attempts are being made to control this pest using :

  • insecticides,
  • poisonous plants, and
  • parasites.

    Grain that has been damaged by this Caterpillar can be used perhaps for chicken feed.


    Further reading :

    Ian F.B. Common,
    Moths of Australia, Melbourne University Press, 1990, pp. 68, 347.


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