Spodoptera litura (Cluster Caterpillar, Tobacco Cutworm)

The caterpillars become brown with three thin yellow lines down the back: one in the middle and one each side. A row of black dots run along each side, and a conspicuous row of dark triangles decorate each side of the back.

The caterpillars are an international pest and eat nearly any herbaceous plant.

When mature, the caterpillar burrows into the soil below the plant for several centimetres and there pupates without a cocoon.

The adult moth is brown with a complex pattern of cream streaks criss-crossing the forewings. The hindwings are silvery white. The moth has a wingspan of about 4 cms.

Regional distribution

Spodoptera litura is listed in the following regions: