PEST

NAME
Grapevine Moth
Phalaenoides glycinae

ORDER
Lepidoptera

FAMILY
Noctuidae

Description of the Pest
The adult moth has a wingspan up to 50mm across and long antenna. It is black with pale yellow strip-like markings, on the forewings and on the margins of the hind wings. The abdomen has tufts of orange coloured hairs at the end. The blackish larva has numerous short black lines running across the body, red or whitishmarkings on its side and a red band that runs over its end. It is up to 50mm long and has chewing mouthparts.


     

Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
The larvae are found throughout the eastern states of Australia and are first noticed on the underside of the leaf. Large pellets of excrement can be seen under damaged plants.

Life Cycle
This insect has a Holometabolouslife cycle, ie. When metamorphosisis observed during the pupalstage.
It over winters as pupae normally in the soil, then emerges as a moth during early spring. There are 2 to 3 generations per year with the second generation of moths emerging during summer.



Period of Activity
The larvae are active during the warmer months of the year and may be found on plants during spring. The larvae are more prevalent when the conditions produce lush growth on the vines.

Damage Caused
The larvae feed on the underside of the leaf, which becomes skeletonised and in some cased defoliates the plant back to the main stem.

Susceptible Plants
Vitis vinifera(grape), Fuchsia, Cissus, Parthenocissus, Glycineand Hibbertiaspecies.

Cultural Control
Remove small infestations by hand and remove off site or destroy.

BiologicalControl
The larvae numbers are reduced by birds, predatory bugs, parasitic wasps and viruses. There is also a commercially produced natural occurring bacterium (Bacillus thuringiensis) that helps in controlling the numbers.

Chemical Control
Application of a contact or stomach chemical such as Carbaryl can be effective against a large infestation.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.