Exelastis atomosa (Walsingham)

Taxonomic position

Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pterophoroidea: Pterophoridae

Common names

Tur plume moth, redgram plume moth

Habitat / Crop(s) damaged

Pigeonpea.

Small circular holes seen on infested pods. The caterpillar is greenish or yellowish green with small spiny projections and bores into the pods and feeds on the seeds inside and also feeds on flowers. Pupation takes place on the pods or even in the burrow of the infested pod. The pupa also is fringed with short hairs and spines like the larva.

Pest status

A specific and occasionally major pest of redgram.

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