Green rice moth

Systematic position. Doloessa viridis belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Pyralidae. It is a specialized agricultural pest known to affect rice cultivation in various regions of Southeast Asia, where environmental conditions favor its rapid population growth.

Host plants. The primary host for this species is rice (Oryza sativa). The insect specifically targets the plant's vegetative parts, and its larvae are capable of causing significant physiological stress to the crop during its critical growth stages.

Biology and life cycle. The life cycle comprises egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Moths are generally nocturnal, making them difficult to detect early in the season. Larvae are the destructive stage, moving quickly across plants and feeding on leaves and stems before transitioning to the pupal phase in protected areas near the base of the plant.

Nature of damage and harmfulness. Damage caused by Doloessa viridis includes skeletonization of leaves and tunneling into stems. This feeding behavior disrupts nutrient transport, leads to wilting, and causes the formation of empty or partially filled panicles, which significantly reduces the overall grain yield and quality.

Control measures. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is essential for controlling this moth. Recommended practices include:

• Maintaining field hygiene and removing crop residues.
• Using trap crops to reduce pest pressure.
• Monitoring adult populations with light traps.
• Applying specific insecticides or biological controls when economic thresholds are met.