74.0121 BF2419

Spiny Bollworm Earias biplaga

(Walker, 1866)

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Wingspan c.18-25 mm.

Only three or four records of this species have occurred in Britain, some of which at least are suspected importations. The most recent was one in September 1999 at Dungeness, Kent, during southerly winds, so it is possible that true vagrancy does occur.

The main diagnostic feature compared to other Earias species is the brownish terminal fringe. Some individuals have a brown blotch on the dorsum, but this is not always present.

Abroad, it occurs from Africa to Asia, and can be a pest on cotton.