• The caterpillar remains the soil at a depth of 2-4 inches.
• The caterpillars cut the tender plants at the base, and branches or stems of growing plants.
• The caterpillars drag the cut parts into soil for feeding.
• The buried stem or branches is almost the sure index of the place where the caterpillar is hiding

• Eggs - are laid on earth clods, chickpea stem bases and on both sides of leaves.
• Larva - is dark brown with red head.
• Pupa -Pupation takes place in earthen cocoon.
• Adult- moth are brownish with numerous wavy lines and spots, measuring 3 to 5 cm across wings

Management

• Deep summer ploughing.
• Use well decomposed organic manure.
• Adapt crop rotation.
• Early sowing in the last week of October.
• Intercropping with wheat or Linseed or Mustard reduces infestation.
• In the early stages pick the insects and destroy.
• Do not grow Tomato or Lady Finger in near by field.
• Grow marigold on bunds
• The adult insects can be controlled by light traps
• Spray insecticides like quinalphos 25 EC @ 1000 ml/ha
• In case of severe infestation . Profenophos 50 EC @ 1500 ml/ha.
• Dilute the above in 500 - 600 liters water and spray.