Orange Fruit Borer
Common NameOrange Fruit Borer
Scientific NameCitripestis sagittiferella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatCitrus orchards, fruit farms, tropical agricultural areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (e.g., Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines)
Host Plantscitrus (orange, mandarin, pomelo, lime), rambutan, longan, litchi
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on the fruit surface, larvae bore into the fruit to feed, causing damage and premature fruit drop. Pupation occurs inside the fruit or in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its cryptic grey-brown forewings with irregular dark markings. Field identification often relies on observing damage to citrus fruits and the presence of larvae within the fruit.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, featuring irregular darker spots and bands that provide excellent camouflage.
