PEST
 
   NAME
     Light Brown Apple Moth
     Epiphyas postvittana
 
   ORDER
     Lepidoptera
 
   FAMILY
     Tortricidae

Description of the Pest
Adults are small, bell-shaped light brown moths; females grow up to 20mm long and are pale brown; males are smaller with orange-brown coloured patterns. Larvae are up to 20mm long with slender yellowish-green, segmented bodies and brown heads. Larvae have chewing mouth parts. When brushed from the plants, they remain suspended from silk threads.

Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
Lightbrown apple moths occur throughout Australia, and have been introduced into Europe.

Life Cycle
These insects have a Holometabolous life cycle, ie. When metamorphosis is observed during the pupal stage.
 Life cycle takes 2-3 months, with up to three generations appearing each year.

Period of Activity
Most active when fruit are maturing.

Damage Caused
Larvae spin silk threads, and may bind young leaves together to form a shelter to feed from. Young larvae feed on the leaves and the mature larvae attack fruit.

Susceptible Plants
A wide range of ornamentals that are susceptible to attack including; Olearia and Rosa species, apples, grapes, citrus, persimmons and stonefruit. Immature grapes are particularly susceptible to damage by the larvae.

Fern species are also attacked joining pinnae together for shelter in which they feed or leave the nest at night to feed on the surrounding fronds. They are most active during the summer months.

Cultural Control
Small numbers may be removed by hand; fruit may be covered with fine netting to prevent infestation.

Biological Control
Natural predators and parasites.

Chemical Control
Carbaryl is effective.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.