The Moringa Leaf Caterpillar (Noorda blitealis Walker, 1859), a Major Pest of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) Worldwide

Abstract

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam., Moringaceae) is one of the most widely consumed vegetables in Southeast Asia and West Africa. Throughout its range, it is attacked by the leaf caterpillar, Noorda blitealis Walker, 1859 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The latter is considered the most important insect pest because it is present throughout the year and causes significant damage to moringa. This document highlights its taxonomic position, its distribution, its bio-ecology, the damage inflicted on the plant as well as the control measures.