Rice Stalk Borer Moth
Common NameRice Stalk Borer Moth
Scientific NameChilo suppressalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorspale yellow, brown, silver
HabitatRice fields, agricultural areas with graminaceous crops, wetlands
Geographic RangeWidespread in Asia (e.g., China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia), parts of Africa, and some Mediterranean regions
Host Plantsrice (*Oryza sativa*), maize (*Zea mays*), sugarcane (*Saccharum officinarum*), wheat (*Triticum aestivum*), other grasses
Flight PeriodMultiple generations, active during crop growing seasons
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are the destructive stage, boring into the stalks of rice and other host plants, causing 'dead hearts' or 'whiteheads' in rice. Pupation occurs within the stalk.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pale, straw-colored forewings with distinct longitudinal dark streaks and small metallic spots, and its association with rice and other cereal crops. Often found resting with wings folded tightly along its body.
Description
This is a small, slender moth with pale yellowish-brown forewings marked with darker longitudinal streaks and scattered metallic silver scales, giving it a cryptic appearance. Its hindwings are typically whitish.
