Swift Moth Larvae
Scientific group or name: Hepialidae
Overview
Swift moth caterpillars live in soil and feed on roots and underground stems. Damage is usually localised but can be serious where larvae attack young plants.
Host plants
Grasses, herbaceous plants, nursery crops and occasionally woody plants.
Identification
Larvae are pale, elongated caterpillars with a distinct brown head. Adults are medium-sized moths with a fast, hovering flight.
Damage and symptoms
Root and crown feeding causes poor growth, wilting, instability and plant death. Damage may resemble vine weevil or leatherjacket injury.
Lifecycle and favourable conditions
Larvae remain hidden in soil or growing media for much of their development. Weedy or grassy areas may support populations.
Monitoring
Investigate unexplained wilt by checking roots and crowns. Look for tunnels, frass and pale caterpillars in the surrounding soil.
Management
Remove badly affected plants, control alternate weed hosts and inspect soil before replanting.
Biological control and natural enemies
Entomopathogenic nematodes may infect exposed larvae, but results depend on correct identification, soil moisture and temperature.
Biological control should be selected only after the pest has been identified and the crop, temperature, growing environment and pest pressure have been considered.
Related BioWiki pages
This page provides general integrated pest-management information. Identification and control decisions should be confirmed for the crop and local situation.