Wingspan of 18-24 mm. Forewings predominantly grey with black markings. Hindwings whitish with a greyish brown border. Vein 5 present in hindwing
Larvae
Length of 15-18 mm long when fully grown. Body dark grey or pinkish to a dull reddish ochreous. Head & prothoracic shield brown edged with black.
Eggs
Laid on developing pods or calyxes of developing fruit.
Distribution
Southern Europe, North Africa, South Africa, parts of Asia and the USA.
Economic Host(s)
A range of different plants including Carob, dates, figs, almonds, pomegranate and citrus. Also a pest of stored nuts.
Symptons/Signs
Larvae bore into developing fruits and pods to feed on the pulp. Larval feeding can cause premature yellowing of fruit and early drop. Infested fruits secrete a sticky gum.
Webbing and frass are signs of infestation in storage.
Generations
1-5 (climate dependent)
Monitoring
Adults Present
April to September
Recommended Trap Density
1-2 traps per hectare in large uniform crop stands and 3- 4 traps per hectare in less dense or mixed plantations.
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, when they become filled 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 24 months. Always store sealed in
original packaging.
