Rice Stem Borer vs Tersa Sphinx Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rice Stem Borer | Tersa Sphinx Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Scirpophaga incertulas | Xylophanes tersa |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Crambidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 20-25 mm wingspan | 60-80 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan) | Southern United States, Central 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.
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.
Tersa Sphinx Moth
A sleek hawk moth with narrow, pointed forewings in lavender-gray with darker streaks. It is a fast and agile flier found throughout the Americas.
Did You Know?
The tersa sphinx caterpillar has a series of large eyespots along its body that create a convincing snake-mimic appearance.