Description

Adult

Forewing length of 7-12 mm. Forewings are pale yellow to tan with brown to dark brown markings. Most specimens have a costal spot and median band which is well defined from the costa to 1/3 of the distance to the dorsum.

Larvae

Late instar larvae are 18-25 mm in length. The abdomen is brown to olive green with whitish pinacula and a pale lateral line below the spiracles. Head and prothoracic shield are dark brown to black. Anal comb is present with 6-8 long teeth.

Eggs

Laid in small orange masses on the host plant.

Distribution

Across Europe as far east as Turkey. Also present in the United States.

Economic Host(s)

Primarily a pest of strawberry, blackberry and black currant in Europe and also cultivated flowers in greenhouses.

Symptoms/Signs

Larvae feed within webbed leaves and can cause serious damage to foliage, flowers and developing fruits.

Generations:

Generations: 2-3 (climate dependent)