Common name
Scientific name
Melanitis leda ismene Cramer, Mycalesis sp.What it does
Larvae of green horned caterpillars feed on leaf margins and leaf blades. The feeding damage causes removal of leaf tissues and veins.
Why and where it occurs
The larvae feed on alternate hosts that may also support their continuous development in the field.
The two species are found in all rice environments. They are most common in rainfed areas.
The adults are not attracted to a light trap. The larvae because of their color blend easily with the rice foliage. Pupation occurs on the leaves and the pupa is a chrysalis suspended from leaves.
How to identify
Check for presence of alternate hosts and natural enemies.
Check for presence of insects.
- Shiny and spherical pearl-like eggs
- Yellow green larva with body covered by small and yellow bead-like hairs
Check for feeding damage on leaf margins and leaf tips.
Similar damage symptoms can be caused by rice skipper and green semilooper. To confirm green horned caterpillar damage, check for insect pest feeding on rice foliage.
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How to manage
- Attract biological control agents: trichogrammatid wasps, chalcid wasp and two species of tachinid, and vespid wasp
Learn more
View full fact sheet: Green horned caterpillar on IRRI Rice Knowledge Bank