Mango

Slug Caterpillar Moth

Limacodidae sp.

Insect

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In a Nutshell

  • Chewed leaves.
  • Presence of the caterpillar.

Can also be found in

3 Crops
Citrus
Mango
Sugarcane

Mango

Symptoms

Slug caterpillars cause loss of leaves by feeding on them. The caterpillars consume large amounts of plant tissue and leave behind only the veins and stems. As a result, the plants are not able to photosynthesize properly, leading to reduced yields in crops. This means that the affected plants may produce fewer fruits than they would have if they had not been damaged by slug caterpillars.

Recommendations

Organic Control

To control the pest without chemicals, physically removing the caterpillars from affected plants is an option. This should be done using a pair of tweezers or a piece of tape, without touching them directly. Light traps can also be set up to trap and collect adult moths. About 5 light traps may be installed per hectare to effectively control the pest.

Chemical Control

Select the appropriate insecticide for your specific situation, following the label instructions carefully, and wearing protective clothing and gloves when applying it. Two active ingredients, Carbaryl and Dichlorvos, have been reported to have a good effect.

What caused it?

The damage caused by slug caterpillars is due to the caterpillar of moths belonging to the Limacodidae family. These caterpillars are known for their slug-like appearance and are a possible health problem to humans due to the painful sting of most species in the family. They are abundant in the tropics where they are present all year round. Slug caterpillars go through several stages in their life cycle. It starts with the eggs that are laid on the leaves of plants. Once hatched, the young caterpillars begin to feed on the leaves. During growth, they renew their skin several times and replace it with new one. Eventually, they form a cocoon around themselves and pupate. After a period of time, adult moths emerge from the cocoons and start the cycle again. These pests are of high ecological importance to palms because they can cause serious defoliation. It is important to identify and control these pests early in order to prevent damage to crops and ensure healthy growth of the plants.

Preventive Measures

  • To prevent a slug caterpillar infestation, it is important to keep your plants healthy and free from damage.
  • Purchase plant material only from clean, accredited suppliers, and preferably material that is certified.
  • Early identification of the pest is crucial.
  • Keep an eye out for holes chewed in leaves, which may indicate the presence of the caterpillars.To be sure that the Slug Caterpillar Moth is actually occurring, the moths and caterpillar should also be detected in the field.
  • Such leaf damage and defoliation of trees can be caused by other insect pests too.

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