Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Celypha lacunana
(Denis & Schiffermüller)
(
641-642
)
syn.
Olethreutes lacunana
(Denis &
Schiffermüller)
Dark strawberry tortrix moth
Larvae of this widely distributed species are associated
mainly with low-growing plants in damp habitats, and
are well-known pests of strawberry crops. They are also
sometimes noted on garden ornamentals, including
marsh marigold (
Caltha palustris
). Occasionally, larva
also occur on trees and shrubs, including birch (
Betula
),
crab-apple (
Malus
), larch (
Larix
), privet (
Ligustrum
vulgare
) and spruce (
Picea
). The larvae (up to 14 mm
long) are mainly dark purplish brown to blackish brown,
and extremely active if disturbed. They occur in early
summer, with those of a second brood feeding from late
August or September onwards; the latter overwinter
whilst still small and complete their development in the
spring. The greyish-ochreous to greenish-black adults
(15-18 mm wingspan) appear from May onwards, with
a second generation flying in August and September.
A second generation of adults appears in August and
September. Larvae from these moths feed for a short
time before hibernating. The larvae re-appear in early
spring to continue feeding. Fully grown individuals
eventually pupate in May or June. Some populations in
greenhouses breed continuously, having evolved the
ability to develop without a diapause phase.
DAMAGE
The larvae destroy flowers and flower buds. They also
cause considerable damage to the foliage, particularly
on the young shoots.
Cnephasia asseclana
(Denis & Schiffermüller)
(
645-646
)
syn.
C. interjectana
(Haworth);
C. virgaureana
(Treitschke)
Flax tortrix moth
Polyphagous on herbaceous plants, and sometimes a
pest of garden and greenhouse-grown ornamentals such
as
Chrysanthemum
, golden-rod (
Solidago virgaurea
),
Helenium
,
Pelargonium
,
Phlox
, primrose (
Primula
vulgaris
),
Rudbeckia
and sweet pea (
Lathyrus
odoratus
); also damaging to young spruce (
Picea
) trees.
Widely distributed in Europe; also recorded in the
Canary Islands and in Newfoundland.
Clepsis spectrana
(Treitschke) (
643-644
)
syn.
C. costana
sensu Fabricius
Straw-coloured tortrix moth
Most common in fenland and coastal habitats on
herbaceous plants, including various horticultural crops;
often a pest in greenhouses and nurseries on
ornamentals such as
Cyclamen
,
Iris
, rose (
Rosa
) and
conifers. Widely distributed in central and northern
Europe.
DESCRIPTION
Adult:
15-18 mm wingspan; fore wings whitish grey,
suffused with black and dark yellowish-brown,
blackish-edged markings; hind wings greyish brown.
Egg:
greenish yellow; flat and oval.
Larva:
up to
14 mm long; grey or bluish white to dark cream or
greyish green, with black pinacula; head light or
yellowish brown, marked with black; prothoracic plate
light brownish to dark brown, marked with black; anal
comb with about six long teeth; thoracic legs light to
dark brown; prolegs marked with grey or black.
DESCRIPTION
Adult:
15-24 mm wingspan (male usually noticeably
smaller than female); fore wings pale ochreous to
yellowish, with variable dark brown to blackish
markings; hind wings light grey.
Egg:
orange, flat and
oval.
Larva:
up to 25 mm long; brown to greyish olive-
green, paler dorsally, with whitish pinacula; head and
prothoracic plate shiny black or blackish brown;
anal plate whitish brown, marked with black or brown;
anal comb with 6-8 teeth.
Pupa:
10-14 mm long; dull
black; cremaster stout and elongate.
LIFE HISTORY
Moths occur from June to August. Eggs are deposited,
either singly or in small batches, on herbaceous plants,
tree trunks, posts and other supports. They hatch in about
three weeks. Larvae then spin small cocoons in suitable
shelter nearby, having fed only on their egg shells. They
then hibernate. Activity is resumed early in the following
spring, the first-instar larvae mining leaves to feed in
irregular, usually blotch-like mines. Later, each larva
feeds amongst spun leaves or on a flower, spinning the
petals down with silk to form a 'capped' blossom. If
disturbed, the larva rolls into a tight 'C' and drops to the
ground. Pupation takes place in June, in the folded edge
of a leaf or amongst debris on the ground.
LIFE HISTORY
In the open, first-generation adults of this double-
brooded species occur from early June to July, but
sometimes earlier. Eggs are laid in small groups on the
foodplant, and hatch 2-3 weeks later. The larvae then
feed beneath a web or in the shelter of young, webbed
leaves or 'capped' flowers. When fully grown, each
pupates in a white, silken cocoon in the larval
habitation, in webbed leaves or amongst dead leaves.
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