Scientific name: 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.