Herpetogramma hipponalis (Walker, 1859)
(one synonym: Botys pigresalis)
Green Leaffolder
SPILOMELINI   ,     PYRAUSTINAE   ,     CRAMBIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley


(Photo: courtesy of Graeme Cocks, Townsville)

The caterpillar of this species is green with black marks on the thorax. The caterpillars are a pest on:

  • Sweet Potato ( Ipomoea batatas, CONVOLVULACEAE ).

    Later instar caterpillars shelter in a folded leaf held closed with silk.

    The adult moth is bright yellow with dark brown zig-zag lines across the wings. The wingspan is about 2 cms.

    The eggs are laid sometimes in groups and sometimes single. They are laid on the upper surface of a foodplant leaf near the central vein. One female moth can lay up to 300 eggs over a few days.


    Keeling Islands, 1982

    The species is found over south-east Asia, including:

  • Guadalcanal,
    and in Australia in
  • Queensland.

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    (updated 16 March 2008)