Plume moth: Exelastis atomosa  (Peterophoridae: Lepidoptera)

Description:

• Adult is small moth with yellowish brown wings, forewings are cut into 2 plumes and hind wings into 3.
• The green oval eggs are laid singly on buds and pods.
• Larvae are green or brown, spindle shaped and covered with spines and hair. 

Damaging systems:

• The larvae bore into the buds, flowers and pods and feed on the developing grains.
• By feeding on the buds holes are formed, and the larvae proceed by further heading up the grains.
• The larva excretes inside the damaged grains and pods and due to this fungus develops in it.