Asota caricae, the tropical tiger moth, is a species of noctuoid moth in the family Erebidae. It is found from the Indo-Australian tropics of India and Sri Lanka to Queensland and Vanuatu.

The wingspan is 51–58 mm. Palpi with black spots on 1st and 2nd joints. Forewings brownish fuscous. There is a basal orange patch with two subbasal black spots and a series of three spots on its outer edge, that matches the coloration of the scales of the thorax. The veins are streaked with white. There is a white spot at lower angle of the discal cell. Hindwings are orange yellow, with a black spot at the end of the discal cell, one beyond, one below vein 2 and a submarginal irregular series which sometimes becomes a nearly complete marginal band. The veins crossing the band are yellowish. Larva black above, with two dorsal white bands, a sub-dorsal black spot on each somite. A series of lateral black specks present with sparse black hairs. Ventral coloration brown, head capsule is reddish.

Description

The larvae have been recorded on Ficus, Broussonetia, Mesua, Tectona and Shorea species. Pupation is in a slight cocoon, fixed to a leaf. The species is found in forest and agricultural areas.

Ecology

harmful

Asota caricae is considered a tree pest because it feeds on the leaves and foliage of various tree species, causing damage and defoliation that can negatively impact the health and growth of the trees.

tree pest

Asota caricae can be considered garden pests because they have a tendency to feed on the leaves of garden plants, causing damage and defoliation that can hinder the growth and overall health of the plants in the garden.

garden pest

Asota caricae can be considered crop pests because they have been known to feed on the leaves of various crop plants, leading to damage and reduced yield, which can negatively impact agricultural production.

crop pest

Asota caricae is considered a pest because it feeds on the leaves and foliage of trees, garden plants, and crops, causing damage, defoliation, and reduced yield, which can have negative impacts on the health and productivity of these plants.

google-play-not-available-title

What does tropical tiger moth eat?

More questions