Cape Gooseberry Budworm
Common NameCape Gooseberry Budworm
Scientific NameHelicoverpa armigera
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHeliothinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, dark brown
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, disturbed areas, open woodlands
Geographic RangeWidespread across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and parts of the Americas
Host PlantsCape Gooseberry, cotton, corn, tomato, chickpea, tobacco
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple generations in temperate zones from spring to autumn
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous budworms or bollworms, feeding on buds, flowers, and fruits of host plants, causing significant agricultural damage. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the reddish-brown forewings with distinct wavy lines and a sometimes faint reniform spot. Hindwings are typically paler with a broad dark subterminal band. Often found near host crops.
Description
A medium-sized moth with light to reddish-brown forewings featuring darker, wavy transverse lines and a faint kidney-shaped spot, providing excellent camouflage.
