Chrysodeixis acuta (Walker)


Common name:	Plusia Worm
Synonyms:	Plusia acuta (Walker)

Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Noctuidae

HOSTS:
Main hosts:	Barley, Linseed, Sorghum, and a wide variety of other plants.

IMPORTANCE IN ETHIOPIA:
Minor pest of:	Barley, Linseed, Sorghum

DAMAGE:
	The caterpillars feed on the leaves. Heavy outbreaks can result in complete defoliation of crops.

INSECT BIOLOGY & RECOGNITION:
Larva:	The caterpillars have only 3 pairs of abdominal legs (prolegs). They are called loopers because they walk with a looping movement of the body. The colour is green or brown, and they are up to 4 cm long.
Adult:	A brown moth with a wingspan of about 40 mm. The fore wings show a dark brown pattern with 2 characteristic silvery spots. The hind wings are greyish brown. Chrysodeixis acuta. Adult moth, wingspan 36 mm.

Text adapted from:

INSECT PESTS OF CEREALS IN ETHIOPIA identification and control methods by Hein Bijlmakers, FAO/UNDP Project ETH/86/029 Crop Protection Phase II, Addis Ababa, October 1989