African Sugarcane Semilooper
Common NameAfrican Sugarcane Semilooper
Scientific NameMocis undata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, tan
HabitatAgricultural areas (sugarcane fields), grasslands, savannas
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantssugarcane, rice, maize, various grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'semiloopers' (loopers) that feed on the leaves of host grasses, causing defoliation. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the two dark diagonal lines across the light brown forewings and the overall drab brown coloration. Its association with sugarcane and other grasses is also a clue.
Description
A medium-sized, slender-bodied moth with mottled light brown forewings marked by two distinct darker brown diagonal lines. The hindwings are a uniform lighter brown.
