Table of content
- Introduction of the Insect
- Classification
- Distribution and Status
- Identification
- Problems with Identical signs
- Habit and Habitat
- Life cycle (Bionomics)
- Damage
- Common signs and symptoms of infestation
- Symptoms of damage
- Why is it important?
- Management
- Cultural practices
- Biological control
- Chemical treatment
- Restrictions
- Genome sequences
- Published research.
- References
Rice hairy caterpillar
Introduction of the Insect
The rice hairy caterpillar is a lepidopteran insect that can be a pest in rice fields.They are paler and more uniform. In addition, the male has a curved row of black flecks on the forewing in the spaces more or less half way between the end of the cell and the margin. The larvae (caterpillars) of Laelia suffusa are characterized by a hairy or fuzzy appearance, which gives them their common name. The color of the caterpillar can vary, but they are generally brown or greenish. The larvae feed on rice plants, consuming leaves and causing defoliation.
English name
Bangla name
Scientific name
Rice hairy caterpillar
ধানের শুঁয়োপোকা
Laelia suffusa
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Lepidoptera |
| Superfamily | Noctuoidea |
| Family | Erebidae |
| Genus | Laelia |
| Species | L. suffusa |
| Binomial Name | Laelia suffusa |
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Java, East Indies, Sundaland, the Philippines and Sulawesi.
Host Range
Rice, Graminaceous weeds
Eggs: The convex spherical brownish-black eggs with a slight depression at the top vary from 0.70-0.75 mm.
Larva: Newly emerged and full grown larvae vary from 0.5 to 1.0 mm and 1.95 to 3.00 cm length respectively. Larvae have two yellows and one black longitu- dinal band and yellow hairs on their bodies. In general 5-6 instar were observed before the larvae undergone pupation but in some cases, 8-9th larval instars were also noticed.
Adults: Adult moths are sexually dimorphic and 1.05-1.65 cm long with a wing span of 1.45- 1.85 cm. The adults of both sexes are creamy white but the males, in addition to colour, have six black spots on each fore wing. The antennae of both sexes are bi-pectinate but that of the females apparently appears to be pectinate which distinguishes it clearly from the males. The distinction is quite conspicuous. The lateral process of the male antennae appears to be denser than of the females.
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Laelia suffusa, the rice hairy caterpillar, exhibits certain habits related to its behavior and activity patterns. The nocturnal feeding habit of rice hairy caterpillars involves actively feeding on rice plants during the night. The habitat of Laelia suffusa is closely tied to the environment where it can find suitable conditions for feeding and development. The rice fields, where rice plants are cultivated, serve as the primary habitat for the rice hairy caterpillar. It thrives in these environments, where it finds an abundant and suitable food source in the form of rice plants.
The caterpillar is yellowish brown with red stripes and has an orange head. Tufts of hairs are present all over the body of which two in the anterior and one in the posterior region are prominent. It pupates in a pale white cocoon of silk and frass attached to the leaf and the adult moth is stout with straw coloured forewings. It lays eggs in masses of upto 57 eggs on leaves. The egg period is 10-11 days. The larval period lasts for 25-35 days. The life cycle of the Rice Hairy Caterpillar (Laelia suffusa) involves several distinct stages, each with its own characteristics and functions. The life cycle undergoes complete metamorphosis, consisting of four main stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult.
Adult: Adult moths are sexually dimorphic and 1.05-1.65 cm long with a wing span of 1.45- 1.85 cm. The adults of both sexes are creamy white but the males, in addition to colour, have six black spots on each fore wing.The antennae of both sexes are bi-pectinate but that of the females apparently appears to be pectinate which distinguishes it clearly from the males. The distinction is quite conspicuous. The lateral process of the male antennae appears to be denser than of the females.
Egg: The convex spherical brownish to black eggs with a slight depression at the top vary from 0.70-0.75 mm.
Larva: Newly emerged and full grown larvae vary from 0.5 to 1.0 mm and 1.95 to 3.00 cm length respectively. Larvae have two yellows and one black longitudinal band and yellow hairs on their bodies. In general 5-6 instar were observed before the larvae undergone pupation but in some cases, 8-9th larval instars were also noticed.
Pupa: Pupae are dark reddish brown. Dry places are preferred for pupation. Pupal weights vary with sexes from 0.09-0.17g and 0.19-0.48g for males and females, respectively.
Laelia suffusa, the Rice Hairy Caterpillar, poses a significant threat to crops, particularly rice plants. The larvae of this pest exhibit voracious feeding habits, targeting the leaves of rice plants during their developmental stages. The consequence of this feeding behavior is extensive defoliation, leading to weakened plants and stunted growth.
1. The primary signs is extensive defoliation of rice plants.
2. Feeding marks on the leaves, with irregular patterns and extensive grazing.
3. Wilted or weakened plants may be a symptom of substantial caterpillar damage.
4. The presence of frass on leaves or around the base of plants can indicate an infestation.
1. Extensive feeding by the caterpillars leads to noticeable defoliation of rice plants.
2. Caterpillar feeding is characterized by irregular patterns on leaves, creating holes and damage. The feeding marks may vary in size and shape.
3. Caterpillars may feed on the edges of leaves, causing characteristic notching or scalloping along the leaf margins.
4. Caterpillar droppings, known as frass, may accumulate on leaves or around the base of plants.
5. While not a direct symptom, observing feeding activity during the night can provide insights into the presence of the caterpillars.
It can cause significant damage to rice crops by feeding on leaves and grains. Managing infestations is essential for preserving crop yield and ensuring the production of high-quality rice. The presence of Laelia suffusa can impact the diversity of insect populations in rice fields.
Rice hairy caterpillar are very difficult to manage with insecticides. Fortunately, most species have natural enemies that keep their populations below damaging levels in outdoor systems such as landscapes and gardens. The best approach to managing them is to choose plants known to be less prone to problems, inspect plants before bringing them onto your property, and rely on biological control and cultural practices to keep their numbers in check.
1. The eggs are parasitized by trichogrammatid wasps.
2. Chalcid wasp and two species of tachinid flies parasitize the larvae and a vespid wasp preys on the larvae.
3. Expose the eggs to be picked up by birds after ploughing and trim the bunds.
4. Meadow grasshoppers, ants, birds and toads feed on the caterpillar.
Farmers can employ several cultural strategies to reduce the impact of the Rice Hairy Caterpillar on their crops. One key practice is crop rotation, where rice is alternated with non-host crops to disrupt the life cycle of Laelia suffusa and decrease its population density. Early planting is another effective cultural approach, as it helps avoid the peak period of caterpillar activity, reducing the vulnerability of young rice plants to infestation. Additionally, maintaining proper field hygiene by removing crop residues and weeds can eliminate potential habitat and food sources for the caterpillars. This practice also enhances natural enemy activity, as it provides a less favorable environment for the survival of Laelia suffusa. By incorporating these cultural practices into agricultural routines, farmers can contribute to the sustainable and environmentally friendly management of Laelia suffusa while promoting the overall health and productivity of rice crops.
Natural enemies, such as parasitoids, predators, and insect-eating birds, play a crucial role in regulating Laelia suffusa populations. Encouraging the presence and conservation of these beneficial organisms in rice fields helps control caterpillar infestations. Predatory insects, such as certain wasp species, lay their eggs on or inside caterpillars, effectively parasitizing and reducing their numbers. Similarly, insectivorous birds contribute to biological control by feeding on caterpillars. Adopting agricultural practices that promote biodiversity, such as maintaining hedgerows and cover crops, provides habitats for these natural enemies. By minimizing the use of broad-spectrum pesticides, farmers allow beneficial insects to thrive, fostering a more balanced ecosystem. The implementation of biological control strategies aligns with sustainable farming practices, contributing to the effective and long-term management of Laelia suffusa while preserving the natural balance within the agricultural ecosystem.
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1. Avoid resurgence pesticides.
2. Always wear protective clothing when handling chemicals, follow product label instructions.
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