Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
fall prematurely or, if reaching maturity, are de-
formed and bear corky scars.
greatest significance as pests of tomato and other
glasshouse crops, especially those growing in
structures with artificial lighting. The young
larvae graze on the underside of leaves but leave
the upper epidermis intact. Older larvae bite
right through the leaves and, when numerous,
can cause significant defoliation. Larvae also
attack buds and flower trusses.
BIOLOGY
Moths fly in March and April. Eggs are then laid
on the leaves of various food plants and hatch in
about 10-14 days. The larvae feed from May
onwards and are fully grown in June or July.
They then pupate in flimsy subterranean co-
coons. Adults emerge in the following spring.
BIOLOGY
Moths occur throughout much of the year but
are particularly numerous in May and June and
in the autumn. When at rest, the wings are folded
longitudinally and the moth resembles a with-
ered leaf. Eggs are laid singly or in small batches
on the leaves of host plants. They hatch within
about 10 days, but usually more rapidly under
glass. Larvae may be found feeding throughout
the year, but are usually present as two indistinct
broods from autumn to spring and in the
summer. Fully fed larvae pupate in the soil, each
in a flimsy cocoon.
DESCRIPTION
Adult
32-42 mm wingspan;
forewings
extremely
variable, ranging from grey to brown or purplish-
black, with often indistinct markings;
hindwings
grey to brownish-grey
(Fig. 326). Larva
up to
45 mm long;
body
varying from green to bluish-
green, distinctly speckled with white, and with a
broad white line along the back and a white or
yellow spiracular stripe, edged above with black;
head
pale green or yellowish brownish.
Phlogophora meticulosa
(L.)
Angle-shades moth
DESCRIPTION
Adult
40-50 mm wingspan;
forewings
pale
pinkish-brown, darker basally, with a large
olive-green and pinkish V-shaped median
mark;
hindwings
whitish
(Fig. 327).
Larvae of this species feed on various herba-
ceous plants, including lettuce, spinach, straw-
berry and other field crops; they are, however, of
Egg
0.8mm
Fig. 327
Angle-shades moth,
Phlogophora
meticulosa
(x2.5).
Fig. 326
Clouded drab moth,
Orthosia incerta
(x3).
