Paliga machoeralis (Walker)
(=Eutectona machoeralis (Walker), E. machaeralis,
Hapalia machaeralis (Walker))

Taxonomic position

Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea: Crambidae: Pyraustinae

Common names

Teak skeletonizer, teak leaf skeletonizer

Habitat / Crop(s) damaged

Larval feeding on the green leaf tissue between veins results in the characteristic skeletonization symptom. Partially damaged leaves are not shed immediately and even totally skeletonized leaves are retained by the affected tree for a long time, resulting in a dry, scorched appearance.

There is some confusion regarding the identity of the teak skeletonizer that occurs in India as Paliga damastesalis (Walker) is believed to be the common species in many southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc.

Pest status

A serious pest of teak.

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