Origin:
It is believed that this moth is native to Arizona, but was introduced into California from Mexico with infested produce. It has since spread throughout California and from there to Texas, along the Gulf Coast to Florida, and north along the Atlantic States.
Biology:
This is a major pest of greenhouses and may be transported most often with these plant products. But, it also feeds generally on conifers, citrus, walnut, alfalfa, cotton, lettuce, and other field crops. It is common in urban landscapes as well, feeding on many ornamental plants, and is a serious threat to vineyards. Females deposit eggs in masses averaging 97 eggs and the emerging larvae move upwards to feed within leaf buds or between leaves. Later stage larvae construct a feeding shelter by rolling the edge of a leaf inward and securing it with silk. Development to the pupa stage requires about 1 month and the pupa will remain within the rolled tube on the leaf. There are up to 4 generations each year with late stage larvae overwintering in shelters of webbing.
Identification:
Adult moths have a wingspan of about ½ inch, and forewing color varies from light brown to very dark brown, often with the inner half noticeably darker than the outer half, particularly in the male moths. The labial palpi are very long and project forward, and it is these extremely long palpi that are characteristic of this moth.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Control is often with the use of insecticides sprayed over the foliage shortly after bud break and when the first signs of the larval feeding occur.
