| Spinach
Moth |
Namibian
crop pests # 43
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| Spoladea recurvalis |
Order: Lepidoptera |
Family: Pyralidae |
Spoladea recurvalis (Fabricius, 1775) (Pyralidae)
Identified by Ole Karsholt, ZMUC, Dk
Two caterpillars on a Swiss chard leaf
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Imago of Spinach moth
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Common names:
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No local names were recorded. |
Pest status:
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The spinach moth was first noticed by agricultural extension staff
in January 1998 at three places (Elim project near Eunda, WAD's vegetable
garden at Mahenene and in Oshakati town). During the most severe attack
(Elim), the caterpillars completely defoliated beetroot and "spinach" (Swiss
Chard). Newly hatched adult moths were found resting on leaves at the same
time.
The spinach moth is considered common and widespread in gardens but
seldom of importance. It may sometimes cause damage to Swiss Chard and
beetroot leaves under favourable weather conditions.
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Description:
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The adult is brown and white but because of the high contrast on the
wings it seems black and white. It is commonly found in vegetable gardens.
In daytime, the adult moth hides in dense cool vegetation such as for instance
the leaves of sweet potato.
The caterpillar is 20-25 mm long. Pale green with a dark-green stripe
on the back. The head is pale grey or brown. The caterpillars mine the
leaves. They are usually found on the underside of leaves, or hidden in
the curling leaf edges.
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Control:
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Control is not recommended at present. Swiss Chard producers are advised
to pick the spinach leaves regularly as this will prevent a built up of
infestation. |
Other notes:
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