PESTS OF CASTOR :: Major Pests :: Hairy Caterpiller - 3

7.  Hairy caterpillar: Dasychira mendosa (Lymantriidae: Lepidoptera)

Distribution and status:  India

Host range: Castor, linseed, groundnut pigeonpea, grapevine, cotton, pomegranate, mango, coffee, pear and rose

Damage symptoms: Defoliation is the main symptom.  The pest is active throughout the year but its activity is reduced in winter. 

Bionomics: Adult is yellowish brown moth.  Larva is greyish brown with dark prothoracic and preanal tufts of hairs. Prolegs are crimson coloured.