sandalwood defoliator
Common Namesandalwood defoliator
Scientific NameEupterote mollifera
FamilyEupterotidae
SubfamilyEupterotinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark blue, orange, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, plantations, and areas with host trees.
Geographic RangeSouth Asia (primarily India, Sri Lanka)
Host PlantsSantalum album, Tectona grandis, Ziziphus mauritiana, Mangifera indica
Flight PeriodJune to October (varies by region, often during monsoon season)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe female lays eggs in clusters. Larvae are gregarious, hairy caterpillars that feed voraciously on host plant leaves, causing significant defoliation. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its dark wings with distinct white white spots and its boldly striped orange and dark blue/black abdomen. The antennae are bipectinate (comb-like).
Description
This is a medium-to-large moth with dark, almost black or deep blue wings adorned with prominent white spots. Its robust body is strikingly banded with alternating orange and dark blue/black stripes.
