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Unlike most moths that feed on nectar, both sexes of adults can pierce ripening fruit, penetrate the skin and pulp of fruit with their modified mouthparts (proboscis) which is armed with saw teeth to withdraw juice. Microorganisms introduced by feeding moths cause rotting around the tiny puncture hole and premature fruit fall. These large nocturnal moths are serious adult pests of ripe and ripening fruits for a wide range of commercial fruits such as citrus, carambola, guava, mango, papaya, banana, fig, persimmon, longan, kiwifruit, egg plants, and tomato.

 

Wingspan:  80-120 mm

EREBIDAE, CALPINAE

(Fruit Piercing Moths)

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