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Identification
Striped caterpillar ranging from pale green to brown, commonly found feeding at the tip of corn ears beneath the husk.
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Life Cycle
Multiple generations per year; moths lay eggs on fresh silk, larvae feed for several weeks before dropping to soil to pupate.
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Damage Signs
Chews kernels at the ear tip, introducing rot and mould, and also damages tomato fruit and other crops as a generalist feeder.
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Treatment
Apply a few drops of mineral oil to silk tips after pollination to smother young larvae. Use Bt sprays at silking stage.
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Prevention
Plant resistant varieties with tight husks and time plantings to avoid peak moth flights.