Leaf Damage: Larvae scrape leaves, leaving small holes initially and then developing into ragged and irregular feeding patterns. In severe cases, they can skeletonize the leaves, leaving only the veins.
Pod Damage: Semiloopers feed on pods, causing ragged and irregular damage to the pod wall.
Defoliation: Heavy infestations can lead to complete defoliation of plants.
Bud and Flower Damage: Larvae may also feed on buds, flowers, and developing seeds.
Excrement: Black excrement on the leaf surface is a sign of semilooper presence.
Target Crops:
Castor: The castor semilooper is a primary pest of castor crops.
Cotton: Semiloopers can significantly damage cotton crops.
Rice: Green semiloopers are a minor pest of rice, particularly in wetland environments.
Vegetables: Semiloopers can attack various vegetables, including cabbage, carrots, and chickpeas.
Other: Other crops like sunhemp, black and green gram, and soybeans can also be targeted,
