Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Lobesia littoralis
(Humphreys & Westwood)
(
682-683
)
Thrift tortrix moth
Locally common and often abundant in coastal habitats
where thrift (
Armeria maritima
) is established; also
occurs on thrift plants cultivated in gardens and
nurseries. Widespread in Europe.
LIFE HISTORY
This species is double brooded, adults occurring in June
and July, and in the autumn. The moths are most active
in sunny weather, and fly rapidly over the foodplant.
Larvae feed amongst the vegetative shoots, each
inhabiting a silken tube; they also attack the flower
heads, to feed on the unripe seeds. Larvae of the first
generation occur from April to May or early June, and
those of the second in August. Pupation takes place in a
dense silken cocoon spun amongst the leaves or hidden
within a flower head.
DESCRIPTION
Adult:
11-16 mm wingspan; fore wings white, suffused
with grey and variably marked with brown and reddish
brown; hind wings whitish grey.
Larva:
up to 10 mm
long; greenish grey to yellowish grey, with
inconspicuous pinacula; head and prothoracic plate
brownish black or black; anal comb present; thoracic
legs black.
Pupa:
6-8 mm long; greenish brown.
DAMAGE
Larvae cause death of shoots and slight distortion of
flower heads, but damage is of importance only on
nursery plants.
681
680
680
Larva of
Hedya ochroleucana
.
681
Adult of
Hedya ochroleucana
.
682
683
682
Thrift tortrix moth (
Lobesia littoralis
).
683
Larva of thrift tortrix moth (
Lobesia littoralis
).
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