White stem borer

The adult white stem borer is similar to the yellow stem borer in appearance. The male and female appear the same.

The egg masses are identical to those of the yellow stem borer.

The larvae appear like those of the yellow stem borer. The white stem borer pupae tend to be more white-colored than those of the yellow stem borer. These two stem borer can only be clearly differentiated as female adult. They yellow stem borer female has a black spot on each front wing whereas the white stem borer female has no spot.

Plant hosts. Larvae are reported to have a wide host range (millet, rice, wild rice, Pospolum, Panicum, sugarcane, Eleusine).

Distinguishing characteristics.

√ The egg mass, larva, and pupa of the white stem borer are similar to those of the yellow stem borer.

√ The white stem borer occurs predominantly in areas where there is only one wet season rice crop a year and the stubble is left undisturbed during the dry season.

√ The larvae remain dormant at the base of the plants during dry season.