Cucumber Moth (Diaphania indica)
The cucumber moth is a member of the family of grass moths found in southern Asia and Australia. British entomologist William Wilson Saunders first described this species in 1851.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Crambidae
- Genus: Diaphania
- Scientific Name: Diaphania indica
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The caterpillars are pale to dark green, with a white stripe running across both sides of their bodies. They grow up to 15 mm long in 3 weeks’ time.
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Pupa
Pupae are 10–15 mm long, seen in several places like under the soil, on the ground, or in a silken canopy in the leaves of the host plant.
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Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present
The hair tufts near the abdomen appear prominent in females but sparsely developed in males.
Color and Appearance
When the wings are opened, they are white, with a dark brown border along the wing fringes. When the wings are closed, the colors and patterns remain observable.
Tufts of light brown hair is seen near their abdominal tip.
Average wingspan: 2-2.5 cm
Flight pattern: Erratic
Season: Year-round
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Egg
They are creamy white, 1–2 mm long, and take around a week to hatch.
Quick Facts
| Distribution | Botswana, Brazil, China, India, Japan, Java, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and the U.S.A. and parts of Australia, like Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, and New South Wales. |
| Habitat | Farms |
| Lifespan of Adults | 1-2 weeks |
| Host Plants | Cucurbits |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- The caterpillars are considered pests, feeding on cucurbit plants’ leaves, stems, and fruit, that has also resulted in their name.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Crambidae
- Genus: Diaphania
- Scientific Name: Diaphania indica
