Corrhenes stigmatica: Friend or foe?

[legoman_iac]

Hey all,

Spotted what looks like a "Corrhenes stigmatica" (Crownborer) on my little maple tree last night, no sign if it anywhere today ... anything to worry about? Reading online, they attack soybeans and lucerne.

- Daniel

[Raging Bull]

Hi Daniel,
According to the Qld Dept. of Agriculture this insect attacks only lucerne and soy bean plants, hence its common name of Lucerne Crown Borer. It lays eggs on these plants which when the grubs hatch they burrow into the seed heads.
Hope this allays your fears.
Frank.

[legoman_iac]

Thanks Frank! I'll rest a little easier. Not sure what it's doing in Sydney, holiday I guess. Was worried this might have been a Bonsai Crown Borer instead, haha.