Pests, Beneficials, Diseases and Disorders of Mangoes - Northern ...

Large mango tip borer
Also known as Mango shoot caterpillar
Penicillaria jocosatrix (Family Noctuidae)
Description:
Eggs: Circular and yellowish in colour.
Immatures: Larvae are yellow-green with pink spots and turn pinkishpurple
as they mature. Size: 25 mm in length.
Adults: Moths are russet brown with light coloured markings on the
forewings. Hind wings are white with brown margins. Size: Wing span
up to 25 mm.
Life Cycle: Eggs are laid singly on the underside of new flush leaves.
Larvae hatch after 3–5 days. Larval development takes about 8–10
days. When mature larvae fall to the ground to pupate amongst the
soil and mulch, adults emerge after 16–20 days.
Similar to: Caterpillars in the family Tortricidae feed in the stem of new
shoots and rolled up leaves.
Damage: Larvae feed mainly at night on the new flush before it
changes from purple to green. Immature larvae feed on the leaf
surface around the edges, which produces a window-like effect. As
larvae mature the entire leaf may be eaten, giving them a ragged
edge or skeletonised appearance. When infestations are high, larvae
will feed on the growing tips of shoots. If larvae attack pre-flowering
flush it can lead to multiple vegetative shoots. They may also damage
flower panicles and fruitlets.
Critical Control Period: If necessary, monitor and treat the flush
growth during the late wet season and early dry season.
Monitoring: Both surfaces of the new flush and mature leaves should
be inspected for eggs and larvae in the evening when caterpillars are
more active. Look for fresh caterpillar droppings or frass on new flush
growth.
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