Jute hairy caterpillar

Systematic position: Spilarctia obliqua belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Erebidae, and subfamily Arctiinae. It is a highly polyphagous pest known for its hairy larvae, which are widely recognized in several agricultural regions across Asia.

Host plants: The pest has a very broad host range. It is particularly notorious for causing severe damage to jute, soybean, sunflower, peanut, various pulses, and diverse vegetable crops and fruit orchards.

Biology and life cycle: The life cycle consists of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females deposit eggs in clusters on the underside of leaves. Larvae pass through several instars. Pupation typically occurs in the soil or protected spaces using silk and their own body hairs to form a cocoon.

Damage patterns: The larvae are responsible for the damage. Early instar larvae feed gregariously, skeletonizing the leaves, while later instars spread out and consume the entire leaf lamina, often leaving only the midribs intact. Severe infestations can lead to significant defoliation and yield loss.

Control measures:

• Regular field scouting to detect early egg masses.
• Mechanical removal and destruction of infested leaves.
• Application of microbial insecticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
• Strategic use of chemical insecticides targeting young larvae to minimize crop damage.
• Deep ploughing after harvest to expose pupae to predators and environmental stress.