Pest: Pod caterpillar

This is a polyphagous pest. The adult is a medium sized light brown moth. The young caterpillar feeds on leaves for a short time. Subsequently it bores into the pods and feeds on seeds. The full grown larva pupates in soil. Total life cycle from egg to adult lasts for 23-57 days.

Symptoms

  • Young larva cause damage by feeding on leaves.
  • The larva later bores into pods and feeds on seeds with its head and part of the body thrust inside - the rest remaining outside-.