Old World Bollworm vs African Cassava Leaf Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Old World Bollworm | African Cassava Leaf Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Helicoverpa armigera | Mesoplatys ochroptera |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 35-40 mm wingspan | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, South America | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Old World Bollworm
One of the most destructive agricultural pests globally, attacking over 200 crop species. Larvae bore into cotton bolls, tomato fruits, and legume pods.
Did You Know?
It has developed resistance to nearly every class of insecticide used against it, making it one of agriculture's toughest pests.
African Cassava Leaf Beetle
A small, yellowish-brown beetle that is a significant pest of cassava in sub-Saharan Africa. Both adults and larvae feed on young cassava leaves and shoots.
Did You Know?
Cassava leaf beetles can cause severe defoliation of cassava, one of Africa's most important food security crops feeding over 500 million people.