Description

Adult

Wingspan of 30-40 mm. Forewings sandy-rufous to purplish red-brown usually with the median area often darker. Dark markings in the shape of the Hebrew character Nun are usually present. Hindwings are pale greyish-brown.

Larvae

Final instars reach 42-47 mm in length. Body green with fine white dorsal and sub-dorsal lines and a broad white spiracular stripe edged above with black. Head is bright green and spiracles white ringed with black.

Eggs

Hemispherical, finely ribbed and greenish-white when laid, becoming darker with age. Laid in loose batches.

Distribution

Europe and parts of Asia.

Economic Host(s)

Orchard trees and broadleaved trees and shrubs.

Symptoms/Signs

Larvae defoliate trees and will also feed on developing buds, shoots and fruitlets.

Generations:

1