Rice Stem Borer vs Orange-barred Sulphur

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rice Stem Borer Orange-barred Sulphur
Scientific Name Scirpophaga incertulas Phoebis philea
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Crambidae Pieridae
Size 20-25 mm wingspan Wingspan 67-80mm
Habitat Wetlands Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan) North America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rice Stem Borer

A small white moth whose larvae bore into rice stems, causing the devastating symptoms known as 'dead heart' in vegetative stage and 'white ear' in reproductive stage. It is one of the most serious pests of rice in Asia.

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Did You Know?

A single larva can destroy an entire rice tiller by boring into the stem and feeding on internal tissue from the inside out.

Orange-barred Sulphur

A large bright yellow butterfly with orange bar markings on the upper forewings. Females are more muted with reddish markings.

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Did You Know?

Males patrol large territories and engage in spiraling aerial battles with rivals that can last several minutes.