Banana chewer

[Radiopeg]

Okay what is the name of the caterpillar that can chew all the way along a banana leaf leaving saw-toothed edges. It is big and white, tinged blue? I saw a leaf curled on my plant today and when I unrolled the cut off piece, there it was. I squished it and then wondered, what if this is an endangered butterfly?

Life goes on, with you or without you.

[leilaniguy]

Not sure of the scientific name, but everybody calls them banana leaf rollers.

[Radiopeg]

Thanks, and that is such a vivid description, I was shocked by how much it had munched. I googled it and got a probable scientific name, Erionata thrax, and it is a skipper or moth. Didn't sound like an endangered critter, so the war will be on....

quote:

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Originally posted by leilaniguy

Not sure of the scientific name, but everybody calls them banana leaf rollers.

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Life goes on, with you or without you.

[jhonvar]

Are those the ones that grow into humongous moths - 5" across their wingtips?

[Radiopeg]

It looked big enough to, but the description sounded drab. Maybe we could google an image. Then we would know.

Here's the little beastie now http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erionota_thrax

Edited to add link

Life goes on, with you or without you.