Citrus fruit borer

The caterpillar of the citrus fruit moth (Citripestis sagittiferella) is known as the citrus fruit borer. It is an exotic citrus insect pest.

Adults

• Adult moths are about 10mm long and have a wing span of about 27mm.
• The moths are grey-brown with yellow to grey-brown forewings and almost transparent hind wings.

Larvae

• The caterpillars are orange to dark reddish-brown with a dark brown head, and can grow up to 21mm long.
• The larvae can be fast moving and jump and twist when touched.

Pupae

• Caterpillars turn dark green when pupating.
• Caterpillars fall to the ground on silken threads and pupate in the soil for about 10 days.

Eggs

• The oval, whitish eggs are laid in clusters on the underside of citrus fruit. Eggs turn from pearly white to reddish brown in colour as they develop.

Plant stage and plant parts affected

• Fruit of plants in the family Rutaceae, particularly citrus.

Plant damage

• The borers leave minute holes in the fruit rind, and cavities under the fruit surface.
• These holes might be associated with caterpillar frass or gumming.
• Internal fruit rots introduced by borers can lead to fruit drop.

The orange fruit borer (Isotenes miserana) found in Queensland could be confused with citrus fruit borer. Orange fruit borer caterpillars differ though, they are brown on top and light grey underneath, with a dark brown head capsule and a pair of brown stripes along the body.

Citrus fruit borer occurs in South-East Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand).

It is exotic to Australia.

Citrus, and some other plants in the family Rutaceae.

• The adult female moth lays eggs on citrus fruit.
• Caterpillars hatch from the eggs about 5 to 6 days later.
• Young caterpillars bore into the citrus peel, then tunnel into the pith and citrus flesh, where they feed and grow for the next 9 to 17 days.
• Once mature, the caterpillars descend to the ground on silken threads and pupate in the soil.
• The adult moth emerges from the pupal cocoon after 9 to 11 days.
• Adult moths are strong flyers and capable of flying further in search of citrus plants.

Citrus is a significant crop in Australia with over 23,000 hectares of citrus planted. For the year ending June 2023, citrus production was valued at $977.1 million, with Queensland the largest producer of mandarins, lemons and limes. Due to the high quality, citrus is Australia's largest fresh fruit exporting industry by volume, with exports of oranges, mandarins, lemons, limes and grapefruit, totalling 231,301 tonnes worth $441.1 million in 2023 (Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd, 2023).

Citrus fruit borer is a significant citrus pest in South-East Asia. The caterpillars cause internal and external fruit damage, premature fruit rot and fruit fall resulting in reduced yield and marketability. This pest could also affect domestic and international market access.

Backyard citrus growers would also be affected.

People moving citrus plant material infested with citrus fruit borer eggs, caterpillars or moths, or soil containing pupae could spread citrus fruit borer over long distances and introduce this pest into Australia.

The Australian Government closely regulates approved imports of plant material and monitors for illegal plant movement to prevent the introduction of exotic plant pests.

Although unlikely, long-distance spread could occur if adult moths were blown by strong winds such as storm events.

Examine fallen citrus fruit with premature fruit rot for borer holes and cavities under the fruit surface. There may also be caterpillar frass or gumming associated with the holes in the fruit. If detected, cut open the fruit to look for caterpillars.

Citrus fruit borer caterpillars are orange to dark reddish-brown with a dark brown head. They are fast moving and will jump or twist when touched.

If detected, report immediately to Biosecurity Queensland.

Protect your farm from plant pests and diseases:

• Read the Biosecurity manual for citrus producers (PDF, 4.0MB).
• Protect your farm from emergency plant pests.
• Visit the farm biosecurity website.

Citrus fruit borer (Citripestis sagittiferella) is a prohibited plant pest under the Biosecurity Act 2014.

Report suspected citrus fruit borer to Biosecurity Queensland immediately on 13 25 23 or contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

If you think you have found citrus fruit borer, you must take all reasonable and practical steps under your control to minimise any associated risks. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO).