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Grass anthelid (Pterolocera spp.) caterpillars have been identified for agronomist, Eoin Flett (Williams & Jackson Pty Ltd.), from several pasture paddocks south of Geelong, in the Central district of Victoria. In this instance, high numbers of caterpillars were observed, however Eoin says they did not appear to be causing any significant damage. This report follows the recent unusual occurrence of very high numbers of grass anthelids in multiple pasture paddocks around Ballarat, as reported in PestFacts Issue No. 12.
Grass anthelids are a relatively minor pest of pastures and cereal crops. They have an annual life cycle, with larvae active in late winter and spring. Larvae are covered in tufts of stout hairs and can grow up to 50 mm in length. Male adult moths are buff with brown markings, and have very large antennae, and adult females are flightless. The species encountered in this instance appears to be the same, or closely related to those found around Ballarat, however species within the Pterolocera genus are not well understood. These caterpillars have a tawn coloured body covered in tufts of hair, and very distinct yellow markings.
What is PestFacts?
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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PestFacts is produced on an ʻas-needsʼ basis and relies upon pest observations and field reports from our subscribers. If you have recently observed invertebrate pests (or beneficial species) in broadacre crops, please contact us to report your observations.
Agricultural invertebrate identification
If you are a grower or agronomist in Victoria or NSW working with broadacre crops or pastures, we can assist you with identifying invertebrates found on farms at no cost. Please contact us for identification help.
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