CUCURBITS :: MINOR :: PEST OF STEM BORER / CLEAR WINGED MOTH

7. Stem borer /Clear winged moth: Melittia eurytion (Aegeriidae: Lepidoptera)
It is a pest of snake gourd and occurs widely in India. Moth is clear winged with fan like tufts of hairs on hind legs. White larvae bore into the stems producing galls. Frass comes out of the gall through a hole made on it. Plants stunted with poor foliage. Pupal period 20-24 days in earthen cocoon in soil.