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| Mature larvae are 13 mm long, dark brown on top and a lighter reddish brown underneath, with a distinct union where the 2 colors meet on the side. Newly hatched larvae are 1-2 mm, yellow with brown heads, and are covered with short spines. |
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| Larval damage to cherries. |
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Plums and tart cherries are the preferred hosts of the mineola moth (MM). Young larvae overwinter in hibernacula, emerging in mid- to late April to feed primarily on fruit buds and developing flower parts. As the larvae feed over the next 4-5 weeks, they web together developing leaf clusters and flower petals to form nests. By petal fall, most larvae have dropped to the ground to pupate in the orchard litter. Adult moths emerge for 2-4 weeks after full bloom. Larvae of this generation enter the fruit and feed around the pit for approximately 11-14 days before exiting to form hibernacula in the crotches of fruit spurs. These larvae drop to the ground, pupate and emerge as second generation adults throughout fruit harvest. Second generation larvae will form nests and feed on foliage.
Monitoring: Inspect fruit buds early, and petals after bloom for signs of larval feeding. The larva enters the bud through its base, often eating the entire bud contents. Also scout for the presence of nests in developing leaf clusters. Frass is easily seen in the webbing forming the nest.
Control: Apply insecticides against overwintering larvae as they emerge from their hibernacula (green tip to popcorn stages) or when adult moths are emerging. |
