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African sugarcane borer

Eldana saccharina, the African sugarcane borer, is a destructive pest of sugarcane in Africa. Its larvae burrow into stalks, reducing crop yields. Notably, it thrives in warm, humid climates, posing significant challenges to agriculture by affecting sugarcane health and productivity.

28.3495 g
Weight
Length: 1 cm; Height: 1 cm
Size
Brown, White, Tan, Dark, Cream
Color
1-3 days
Age of Sexual Maturity
Low
Aggression
Characteristics
Eldana saccharina, commonly known as the African sugarcane borer, is a moth species found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is notorious for its larval stage, where it bores into sugarcane stalks, causing significant agricultural damage. The moth exhibits a dull brown coloration with a wingspan of approximately 25-30 mm. Its larvae are cream-colored with a brown head, and they thrive in warm, humid environments.
Distribution Range of the African sugarcane borer
Eldana saccharina, commonly known as the African sugarcane borer, is native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is predominantly found in countries within West, Central, and Eastern Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and South Africa.
African sugarcane borer's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
Eldana saccharina typically inhabits regions with warm and humid climates, which are conducive to the growth of its primary host plants, such as sugarcane and certain grasses. These conditions are often found in tropical and subtropical areas where temperatures are generally high and there is ample rainfall.
Ecological Niche
The ecological niche of Eldana saccharina involves its role as a pest in agricultural settings, particularly in sugarcane plantations. It is known for boring into the stems of sugarcane plants, which can lead to significant crop damage. The species has adapted to exploit cultivated and wild grass species, which provide both food and habitat. This adaptability allows it to thrive in various agricultural and natural environments within its native range.