Winter moths

Abstract

The caterpillars of several species of moth damage fruit trees in the spring. These include tortrix caterpillars (see page 136) and caterpillars of the winter moth group. Tortrix caterpillars spin the leaves together tightly and, if disturbed or held in the hand, wriggle violently. By contrast, caterpillars of the winter moth group web the leaves together more lightly, or hardly at all, and crawl with a characteristic looping action (Fig. 30.5). The most important of the winter moth group are the winter moth (Operophtera brumata (L.)), the mottled umber moth (Erannis defoliaria (Clerck)) and the March moth (Alsophila aescularia (Denis & Schiffermüller)). They attack practically all standard and bush fruits as well as most woodland trees and bushes. Formerly, they were regarded as among the most serious pests of fruit, but a suitable spray programme prevents them from causing appreciable loss.