Description

Adult

Wingspan of 18-24 mm. Forewings predominantly grey with black markings. Hindwings whitish with a greyish-brown border. Vein 5 present in hindwing

Larvae

Length of 15-18 mm long when fully grown. Body dark grey or pinkish to a dull reddish ochreous. Head & prothoracic shield brown edged with black.

Eggs

Laid on developing pods or calyxes of developing fruit.

Distribution

Southern Europe, North Africa, South Africa, parts of Asia and the USA.

Economic Host(s)

A range of different plants including Carob, dates, figs, almonds, pomegranate and citrus. Also a pest of stored nuts.

Symptoms/Signs

Larvae bore into developing fruits and pods to feed on the pulp. Larval feeding can cause premature yellowing of fruit and early drop. Infested fruits secrete a sticky gum. Webbing and frass are signs of infestation in storage.

Generations:

1-5 (climate dependent)