Ascotis moth

The genus Ascotis, best represented by the species Ascotis selenaria, belongs to the family Geometridae within the order Lepidoptera. These insects are commonly known as geometer moths or loopers, a name derived from the unique looping gait of their larvae, which move by pulling their hind legs toward their thoracic legs.

These moths are notorious polyphagous pests. They feed on a wide variety of plants, causing significant economic damage to citrus orchards, tea plantations, apple and pear trees, as well as several vegetable and field crops. Their ability to switch between different host plants contributes to their success as agricultural pests across various climatic zones.

The life cycle consists of four distinct stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. They typically overwinter as pupae in the soil or protected debris. The adult moths emerge in spring to lay eggs on the foliage of host plants. Depending on the region, there can be multiple overlapping generations per year, making the control process continuous throughout the growing season.

Damage is primarily caused by the larvae, which feed on leaves. Young caterpillars often skeletonize the leaf tissue, while older larvae consume the entire leaf, leaving only the primary veins. Severe infestations can result in complete defoliation, which causes significant plant stress, reduces photosynthetic efficiency, and leads to substantial yield losses in orchards and crops.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for Ascotis include:

• Monitoring adult populations using pheromone traps to time interventions.
• Implementing soil cultivation in autumn and spring to disturb and destroy overwintering pupae.
• Utilizing biological control agents, such as microbial insecticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis.
• Applying chemical insecticides during the early larval stages when the caterpillars are most vulnerable.