Pink stem borer

Pink stem borer belongs to a family different from that of the other stem borer. It is related to cutworms and armyworms. The adult is robust and tan with dark brown markings. From a central point in the fore wing, a typical radiation of grey-black lines spreads toward in the wings tips, ending in a thin terminal line of dark spot. The hind wings are white.

The bead-like eggs are laid in rows and are not covered with hair. The larva has an orange-red head. Its body is purple-pink on top and white below. The pupa is dark brown and robust.

Plant hosts. The larvae have a wide host range (rice, sugarcane, maize, wheat, barley, oats, wild rice, Panicum, Paspalum)

Distinguishing characteristics.

√ The eggs are laid between the leaf sheath and the stem and are not covered the hair.

√ Larvae may pupate between the leaf sheath and the stem, instead of inside the stem.