Due to high population, caterpillar’s attack in Probolinggo Regency is getting worse. It not only attacks leaves of mango trees in sub-districts of Bantaran, Leces, Sumberasih and Tegalsiwalan, but also enters houses. “The leaves of Manalagi mango are eaten up by the caterpillars leaving only the twigs and stems,” said Suputa, SP., M.P at Stana Prahita Room, Thursday (7/4) giving response to the caterpillars attack in Probolinggo.
From Suputa’s observation in the field, the caterpillars prefer attacking manalagi mango’s leaves to other mango trees. In his assessment, the choice of host trees of caterpillars was conducted by adult caterpillars when putting the eggs. “The caterpillar will not transform into butterfly but moth. It is presumed that the moth puts the eggs in the crack of mango bark or under the leaves,” he said explaining to reporters of Fortakgama.
Suputa said that the caterpillar attack is not a new phenomenon because previously similar attacks also happened, that is jumping bugs of lamtoro (Leucaena glauca). There was also chili trees throughout Java which are yellow languish. There are two species of caterpillars attacking mango trees in Probolinggo namely Arctornis sp and Lymantria atemeles Collenette. The caterpillars are nocturnal (caterpillar which is active at night).
“Therefore, no wonder if there is sound like rain in the night which is actually caterpillars that are eating the mango leaves,” he explained.
The increase of caterpillar’s population, according to Suputa is caused by the decrease of natural enemy’s population such as birds, parasite and other predators. Besides, climate change, particularly environmental temperature, also influences the population of caterpillars. “So, if the temperature increases, the caterpillar’s life cycle will be more quickly,” he said.
If the attack is not addressed, many people are scared with the attack, they will also suffer economic losses. Therefore, control of caterpillar population should be taken immediately. Moreover, the capability of egg production reaches 70-300 eggs per female caterpillar. “Therefore, integrated pest control with the use of natural enemies, birds, parasite, UV lamp trap and the use of sex pheromone hormone needs to be done,” he explained.