Description

Adult

Wingspan of 13-17 mm. Forewings are dark brown or brownish-grey with a metallic shine. White stripes (7-9) with black markings in between are present along the costa. Dark spots and white comma spots are usually present near the hindwing border. Hind wings are whitish-yellow and brown near the hind border.

Larvae

The final instar reaches 14 mm in length. Body initially white but becoming yellow with a dark head and anal scutellum. Eight lines of dark warts are present. Eight pairs of legs are present with 3 on the thorax.

Eggs

Oval shaped, 0.75 – 0.8 mm in length, flattened on one side. Initially white coloured, becoming yellow with age. Laid in clusters on leaves.

Distribution

Europe, Asia minor and North America.

Economic Host(s)

Pea and Lentil.

Symptoms/Signs

The first instar wanders from the site of hatching, usually for 1 day before boring into pods to feed. Once fully grown the larvae leaves the pod to pupate on the ground.

Generations:

1