The Caterpillars bore into young shoots. This damages leaf and seed production by the weed, but does not completely eradicate it. More than 10 other species of insect have also been introduced in an attempt to control the weed.

The Caterpillars also attack other plants from the Mimosa family ( MIMOSACEAE ), including :

Unfortunately, this last one is an important crop in some Asian countries.

The adult moth is brown with a white stripe along the inner margin of each forewing. Its rest position typically has its wings folded around the body, and its legs out.

Further reading :

D.R. Davis, R.C. Kassulke, K.L.S. Harley, & J.D. Gillett, Systematics, morphology, biology, and host specificity in Neuriostrota gunniella (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), an agent for the biological control of Mimosa pigra. L., Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington, volume 93 (1991), pp. 16-44.

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