Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée, 1854
Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer
 SPILOMELINI   ,     PYRAUSTINAE   ,     CRAMBIDAE

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

(updated 19 July 2010)

These caterpillars are white when young, turning pink as they grow older. They are an international pest, boring into the shoot and fruit of:

  • Brinjal Eggplant ( Solanum melongena, SOLANACEAE ).

    The adult moths are white with a coloured tinge.

    The sex attractant pheromones have been determined.

    Control of this pest has been tried with:

  • planting the crop under netting,
  • destruction of borer damaged fruits at regular intervals, and
  • use of Neem products,
  • use of various artificial insecticides,
  • mass trapping using the pheromones,
  • use of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki,
  • use of the parasitic wasp Eriborus sinicus ( ICHNEUMONIDAE ), and
  • breeding resistant varieties of Eggplant by crossing with Solanum macrocarpon.

    The species is found in Asia, including

  • Hong Kong,
  • India,
  • Taiwan,
  • Thailand,
    as well as in Australia in
  • Queensland.

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