Pests of plants: Citrus fruit borer
Citripestis sagittiferella
Profile Citrus fruit borers are the larvae of the citrus fruit moth. Larvae tunnel into the rind and eventually the flesh, leading to fruit rot and fruit drop. Citrus borers cause ugly pock marks on the skins of fruit, decreasing their market value and rendering fruit inedible.
Identification Eggs are laid in clusters on the underside of citrus fruit. The larvae bore into the peel after they hatch and later tunnel into the pulp and pith. Larvae are reddish/yellow initially then turn green at the time of pupation.
Mature caterpillars drop to the ground on silken threads to pupate in the soil. The moths, about 1cm long, emerge after 10 days and are strong nocturnal fliers.
Distribution Citrus borers were first recorded in Malaysia and also occur in western Indonesia.
Threat If citrus borer establishes in northern Australia it will affect the production and marketing of locally grown fruit, and could also spread to major citrus growing areas through transport of infected fruit or through moths flying to infest new areas.
Keep a Top Watch Infected fruit could be carried to Australia on fishing vessels from Indonesia or through the illegal importation of fruit through airports and seaports. If you suspect you have seen fruit bearing pock marks and with traces of frass or gum at the site of infestation, contact your nearest Quarantine officer.