Insect Pests of Fruit, Plantation, Medicinal & Aromatic Crops (2+1)

2. Leaf roller - Gracillaria theivora Wism. (Gracillaridae: Lepidoptera)

Damage

• The second instar larva mines the tender leaf making serpentine tunnels for few days after which it reaches leaf margin.
• The fourth instar larva rolls the leaves from tip downwards.
Bionomics

• The purplish brown tiny moth lays eggs singly on the underside of leaves.
• The egg period is 2-3 days.
• The larva is yellowish.
• It pupates in a silken cocoon on the underside of the leaf for 9-13 days.