Why is it in the News?

Persistent high temperatures over an extended period might be responsible for the severe infestation of the Mythimna separata pest in Assam, causing damage to paddy crops in at least 15 districts.

About Mythimna Separata:

• This is a common long-distance migratory insect and a significant pest for various grain crops.
• Distribution: Mythimna separata is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India, and eastern Australia.
• It has also been introduced to New Zealand and some Pacific islands.
• In India, it was initially identified as a sporadic pest in Tamil Nadu in 1937 and later in Kerala and Odisha in 1957.
• Known by various names such as the ear-head-cutting caterpillar, rice ear-cutting caterpillar, or armyworm, this pest feeds on leaves and has the capability to cut off panicles from the base of a crop plant.
• Its feeding habits often leave the field resembling it has been grazed by cattle.
• During an outbreak, the pest multiplies rapidly and moves in swarms from one field to another, similar to an army, causing harm to crops.
• The pest population tends to increase under favorable conditions, particularly when there is a rise in temperatures coupled with dryness.