Summary

Phthorimaea operculella (Gelechidae). Host: not recorded. Wax model of larva. Magnified x20. Display label: the caterpillar larvae of this pest burrow into the stem, leaves and exposed tubers of the potato plant. The life cycle (egg-larvae- pupa-adult) may be completed in as little as one month, making the potato moth a serious pest. Carbaryl or Malathion insecticide applied every 7-10 days provides control.

Model based on specimen from Victorian Department of Agriculture. Model maker Judy Bishop, August 1953.

Physical Description

Model of a larva or caterpillar. The model is white with a segmented, hairy body and sixteen short legs. It has black eyes and brown mandible.

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