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Agronomist, Craig Drum (Tatyoon Rural), has reported larvae of the pasture tunnel moth (Philobota productella) in high numbers around Tatyoon, in the Western district of Victoria. Several clover-based pasture paddocks have been found with pasture tunnel moth larvae. These paddocks have suffered some feeding damage, with large bare-patches being eaten out. Craig says small mounds of dirt can be seen around the affected areas.
Pasture tunnel moths are native to Australia. They are normally found in higher rainfall districts and can cause significant damage to annual and perennial grasses, and clovers. The larvae are slender, grey in colour with a black head and grow up to 35 mm long. They construct silk-lined tunnels that protrude above the soil surface forming a ‘chimney’. These chimneys can be washed away with rain. Larvae leave their burrows at night and feed nearby on pasture plants. Adult moths are elongate, 20 mm long, creamy-white in colour and have a wingspan of approximately 25 mm.
Most damage by pasture tunnel moths occurs in July and August, and is often in association with blackheaded pasture cockchafers. Paddocks should be inspected now and throughout winter for signs of damage and formation of chimneys or silk-lined burrows. Densities of > 70/m² appear to be damaging. If chemical control is required, similar products and rates used against blackheaded pasture cockchafers are reported to provide satisfactory control.
For images of pasture tunnel moths, click here.
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PestFacts south-eastern keeps growers and advisers informed about invertebrate pests and beneficials in broadacre crops and pastures during the winter-cropping season in Victoria and southern New South Wales.
PestFacts south-eastern is run through IPMforGrains: Best Practice Insect Pest Management, a project delivered by the National Pest Information Network (cesar, DPIRD, QDAF, NSW DPI, and SARDI). This project aims to provide grain growers and advisors with information on invertebrate grain pest occurrence and equip industry with the knowledge needed to implement integrated pest management practices. This initiative is a GRDC investment and includes in-kind contributions from all project partner organisations.
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