Description

Adult

Wingspan of 17-21 mm. Forewings brown to dark grey basally and white with bluish-grey, brown or black strokes distally. An isolated black spot is present near the border of the light and dark parts. Hindwings are grey-brown with a concolorous fringe. Head and thorax dark brown.

Larvae

Initially larvae are yellow in colour, before becoming greyish-green. Pinacula small and black. Head shining black and prothoracic plate black with a pale anterior margin and pale medial groove. Anal plate blackish-brown and thoracic legs dark brown or black.

Eggs

Oval and flattened, finely reticulated. Translucent at first and becoming yellowish-white with age. Laid singly or in small batches of 2-4 eggs on the underside of leaves.

Distribution

Europe across to Asia minor and Siberia. Also introduced to North America.

Economic Host(s)

Apple (Malus), cherry, plum, apricot and almond (Prunus)

Symptoms/Signs

Larvae attack opening buds and spin flower buds together to feed. Leaves are also bound together with silken threads.

Generations:

1