After the rains, black caterpillars appeared in large numbers in the fields of Netra village of Nakhatrana taluka, causing problems for farmers. According to information received in this regard, the soil becomes loose after the rains in the monsoon, due to which the pests have started coming out of the soil due to the moisture in the soil. Thousands of pests have emerged at once, creating problems for people living in the fields. The non-poisonous black caterpillars turn round when they feel threatened. After the rains, they make small holes in the ground and lay eggs. There are about 12 thousand varieties of this caterpillar on the ground and wherever this caterpillar comes out, a foul smell spreads. This caterpillar called Chudvel has many legs, but in 2020, a species of this insect was seen, which had about 1000 legs. When the caterpillar is born, it does not have legs. This creature lays eggs in the spring season. The eight-inch long caterpillar appears black or gray in color. These creatures appear in large numbers when they lay eggs together. After the rain, thousands of them emerge from the ground to feed. Apart from India, the Chudvel caterpillar is found in countries including China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia. Recently, the caterpillar empire had spread in Kutch after the rain. Netra Upsarpanch Rasikbhai Patel said that currently, in the wadi area of Netra village, insects called Chudvel are being seen on the walls, on the trees, on the ground, inside and outside. For the last four days, Chudvel was seen on the ground. Which has now climbed on the walls. Caterpillars are being seen in such numbers in the fields that wherever you step, the caterpillars are crushed. A large number of roaming caterpillars have created a lot of trouble. Vijay Siju said that these caterpillars came out in large numbers last year.
Farmers are very worried due to the infestation of black caterpillars in Netra’s fields.
