Page 295 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Tortricidae
DISTRIBUTION Large areas of both northern and southern hemispheres at
latitudes between 30 degrees and 60 degrees
HABITAT Horticultural and urban areas where host plants occur
HOST PLANTS Pome fruit (Rosaceae): apple (Malus spp.), pear (Pyrus spp.),
and Quince (Cydonia oblonga); occasionally stone fruits: plum and
apricot (Prunus spp.) and walnut (Juglans spp.)
NOTE Caterpillar that is a pest of apple and pear orchards
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but a widespread and common pest species

ADULT WINGSPAN
⁄ in (17 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
⁄ –¾ in (15–19 mm)
CYDIA POMONELLA
CODLING MOTH 293

(LINNAEUS, 1758)

Codling Moth caterpillars hatch from eggs laid on the fruit
surface. They burrow into the fruit and tunnel to the core to feed
on the seeds. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, usually under bark or
in crevices of the host tree. There are one to three generations
a year, with the caterpillar overwintering in a state of diapause. Actual size
Day length, temperature, and food quality are the main factors
in uencing induction of diapause. If the caterpillars hatch under

short day lengths and cooler weather, when feeding is complete
they will enter diapause in their cocoon.

Diapause is broken only after an extended period of cold
weather—below 50°F (10ºC)—followed by warmer weather,
which results in pupation, then moth emergence in the spring. The Coding Moth caterpillar is moderately stout
Control of Codling Moth caterpillar damage in commercial and usually creamy white but turns slightly pink
dorsally when mature. The head and prothoracic
pome fruit orchards underpins pest control throughout most shield are yellow brown, often overlaid with a
orchards worldwide, although the species is not an apple pest in darker brown pattern. The anal plate is yellow
with a moderately distinct pattern of pale brown
Japan or most of China, despite the climatic suitability. spots and specks. Small, sclerotized plates on
the body are gray, with short, white setae arising
from them.