Species Aspila molesta - Oriental Fruit Moth - Hodges#3426

3426

Grapholita molesta (Busck, 1916)

Laspeyresia molesta Busck, 1916 (original description in Quaintance, 1916)

Specific epithet from Latin molesta meaning "troublesome, irksome, grievous."

FWL ≈ 5-7mm

Wingspan 10-13 mm. (1)

Adult: FW dull grayish brown with a row of black dots near the apex and termen. (2)

Larva: Last instar larvae are approximately 10-12 mm in length with a pinkish abdomen and large pale pinacula. The head and prothoracic shield are yellowish brown. The anal shield is light brown without mottling. An anal comb is present with ca. 5 teeth. Early instars are assumed to be whitish with a black head and prothoracic shield.

Larvae may appear similar to other species of Grapholita and Cydia. Cydia pomonella larvae can be separated from G. molesta by the absence of an anal fork. Other species of Grapholita cannot be reliably separated solely on larval description. (2)

Important pest of stone-fruit crops throughout the world. Most economic damage occurs in peach and nectarine, or when other fruit crops are grown adjacent to peach. In addition to the Rosaceae, larvae have been recorded feeding on plants in several families. (2)

Females lay eggs singly on smooth surfaces of the host plant, which usually includes leaves, shoots, and twigs. Early instars tunnel into shoots or pedicels. Later instars continue feeding in shoots or tunnel into fruit. The final instar leaves the fruit or shoot and constructs a cocoon on the tree or in leaf litter. Larvae complete 4-5 instars. (2)

Grapholita molesta is thought to have originated in northwest China. The first North American records are from 1913-1915. It is currently widely distributed on all continents where stone-fruit is grown. (2)

Quaintance, A.L., 1916. Laspeyresia molesta, an important new insect enemy of the peach. Journal of Agricultural Research 7(8): 373-377; Pl.26-31. (PDF)

Moth Photographers Group

BOLD Systems

Tortricids of Agricultural Importance – description and image

OK State U.

Invasive.org

Virginia fruit edu