Description

Adult

Wingspan of 16-20. Forewings are white with 12-16 black dots arranged in 3 irregular rows. A white fringe is present on the outer margin of the forewings. The hindwings are ash grey with a long fringe.

Larvae

Young larvae are pale yellow with a dark head, prothoracic plate and thoracic legs. Mature larvae reach 13-16 mm in length and vary from yellow to grey-blue. Each abdominal segment bears 2 black spots and the head is black.

Eggs

Flattened and initially yellow in colour, becoming darker with age. Laid in row like batches covered in a coating on leaves.

Distribution

Europe the Middle East and parts of Asia.

Economic Host(s)

Apple (Malus) and sometimes pear (Pyrus).

Symptoms/Signs

Young larvae mine leaves producing orange-brown blotches. They often feed gregariously within the growing mines. Mature larvae leave the mines to feed within the protection of communal silken webs.

Generations:

1