Buffel Grass Seed Caterpillar
Common NameBuffel Grass Seed Caterpillar
Scientific NameMaliarpha separatella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorstan, reddish-brown
HabitatAgricultural fields, grasslands, areas with host grasses
Geographic RangeAfrica, Asia (especially rice-growing regions)
Host Plantsrice, buffel grass, other grasses
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the stems and seeds of host grasses, such as rice and buffel grass, causing damage. Pupation typically occurs within the host plant stem or in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall straw-brown coloration, faint longitudinal striations on the forewings, and the reddish-brown shading towards the termen of the hindwings. Often found in areas where its host grasses are abundant.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with straw-colored forewings featuring faint longitudinal striations and a reddish-brown tint on the hindwing margins.
