Description

Adult

Wingspan of 36-45 mm in males and 50-70 mm in females. Forewings are white with dark blue to black oval spots. Hindwings are white with small dark blue to black spots. Thorax is furry white with 6 large blue-black spots. The abdomen is bluish-black to black with white bands.

Larvae

Younger larvae are yellow becoming yellowish-pinkish when mature. Mature larvae reach 50-60 mm in length. A number of black points are on each segment and the head and prothoracic plate are shiny black

Eggs

Initially light yellow becoming pinkish with age and ca. 1 mm in length. Laid singly or in small clusters in cracks and crevices of trees.

Distribution

Europe the Middle East, eastern Asia, North Africa and North America.

Economic Host(s)

Apple (Malus) pear (Pyrus) and occasionally olive (Oleae).

Symptoms/Signs

Young larvae enter shoots near the tip and move into older wood to feed once the shoot dies. Dead shoots appear and apical regions of branches begin to dicolour. Frass that resembles sawdust is visible near entrance holes.

Generations:

1