PEST
 
   NAME
     Painted Apple Moth
     Teia anartoides
 
   ORDER
     Lepidoptera
 
   FAMILY
     Lymantriidae

Description of the Pest
Adult males are 25mm long and have a 25mm wingspan, with brown forewings and yellow hindwings with black edges. Females are also 25mm long, but wingless. Larvae are furry brown caterpillars, up to 30mm long, with four prominent tufts of reddish brown hair behind the head, and two horn-like tufts of black hair projecting forward. The caterpillar’s hair may cause skin irritation.

		   Wingless Female 

Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
An Australian native, most commonly found in temperate and subtropical regions. Originally known as the painted wattle moth, feeding exclusively on acacias, it has adapted to feed on apples and other species.

Life Cycle
This insect has a Holometabolous life cycle, ie. When metamorphosis is observed during the pupal stage.
Larvae pupate in loosely woven cocoons; eggs are laid on the empty cocoons.

Period of Activity
May be active all year, particularly during the cooler months.

Damage Caused
Larvae may skeletonise leaves; small plants may be defoliated. Because females are flightless, infestations are localised.

Susceptible Plants
A wide range of plants are affected, including apples, Acacias, Melaleucas, Grevilleas, and many exotics. Some fern species are also attacked.

Rosa species leaves are attacked by larva.

Cultural Control
Remove small infestations of larvae and cocoons by hand.

Biological Control
None known.

Chemical Control
Maldison, Carbaryl or other contact pesticides are effective; a wetting agent is necessary to penetrate the larval hair.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.