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Research agronomist, Simon Craig (BCG), has reported high numbers of pasture day moth caterpillars in a wheat crop near Birchip, in the Mallee district of Victoria. The crop was showing clear signs of caterpillar feeding damage and is likely to be sprayed to prevent further loss. Pasture day moth larvae have also been identified for agronomist, Glenn Shepherd (IMAG Consulting), who found high numbers moving across a roadside verge north east of Dubbo, in the Central West Slopes and Plains district of New South Wales. No caterpillars were found in the adjacent crops however Glenn says these will be inspected closely in the coming weeks to see whether any caterpillars move in.
Pasture day moth (Apina calisto) caterpillars are quite distinctive when fully grown. They have a dark brown to black coloured body with reddish-orange markings, and grow to about 50-60 mm long. They also have two prominent yellow spots near their rear end, which become more apparent as they mature in size. Pasture day moth caterpillars have a preference to feed on broadleaved weeds, however they may transfer onto crops and grasses in paddocks where weeds are dead or dying form a previous herbicide application.
Click here for images of pasture day moth caterpillars and refer to PestFacts Issue No. 7 for more information.
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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PestFacts map is an interactive tool that allows users to search and view historical pest reports across Victoria and NSW. The map is updated with each issue of PestFacts to include new reports.
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With appropriate acknowledgement, cesar grants permission to reproduce information taken directly from PestFacts. To cite PestFacts: “PestFacts south-eastern (<<enter date published>>). cesar pty ltd.”
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