Wingspan of 15-17 mm and a body length of ca. 10 mm. Forewings are pale brown with small blotches of mid brown. Hindwings are pale grey. Head and thorax are pale brown.
Larvae
Fully grown larvae reach 15 mm in length. Body greyishwhite to pale greenish-grey. Pinacula are small and dark brown or black. Head is dark brown and prothoracic plate is often a pinkish shade. Anal plate is dark brown
Eggs
Oval smooth and yellowish in colour. Laid singly or in small batches on leaves or exposed tubers near the eye buds.
Distribution
Worldwide except Canada and northern parts of Europe.
Economic Host(s)
Members of the family Solanaceae especially potato, tomato, chilli and tobacco.
Symptons/Signs
Newly hatched larvae create mines in young leaf tissue. Later instars move to feed externally on stems, fruits and petioles and also bore into tubers. Frass and silk are excreted from feeding tunnels and potato eyes appear pink. Infestation of stored potatoes also occurs.
Generations
2-4
Monitoring
Adults Present
April to October (climate dependant)
Recommended Trap Density
Glasshouses: 2 traps per glasshouse. Outdoors: 4 traps per hectare in large uniform areas of crops and 5-6 traps per hectare in less dense or mixed crop stands.
Trap Maintenance
Check traps on a regular basis; at least twice a week. It is recommended to replace the pheromone dispensers every 4 weeks to achieve optimum results.
Replace sticky inserts, if used, once they become saturated with dust or insects.
Storage
Keep product away from heat and direct sunlight. Store in a refrigerator for a shelf life of 12 months or a freezer for an extended life of 18 months. Always store sealed in original packaging.
