What does it look like?
Male light brown apple moths have forewings measuring 6–10 mm in length, featuring a light brown area at the base that contrasts with a much darker reddish-brown area at the tip. In some males, this darker tip may be absent, resulting in a uniformly light brown wing similar to that of females, where only faintly darker oblique markings differentiate the tip area. Females have slightly larger forewings, ranging from 7–13 mm, with coloration varying from uniform light brown to nearly unmarked.
Larvae (caterpillars) are difficult to distinguish from those of other leafroller species. The first larval instar has a dark brown head, while subsequent instars display a light fawn-coloured head and prothoracic plate (the plate behind the head). Overwintering larvae tend to be darker in colour. First instar larvae measure about 1.6 mm in length, growing to 10–18 mm by the final instar. Mature larvae have a medium green body marked by a darker green central stripe and two lighter side stripes. Pupae initially appear green but quickly harden and darken to a medium brown.
Why is it a problem?
The larvae cause damage to foliage and fruit. Early instars feed on tissue beneath the upper epidermis (surface layer) of leaves, while protected under self-constructed silken webs on the under surface of leaves. Larger larvae migrate from these positions to construct feeding niches between adjacent leaves, between a leaf and fruit, in the developing bud, or on a single leaf, where the topical leaf roll develops. The late-stage larvae feed on all leaf tissue except main veins.
Superficial fruit damage is common in apple varieties which form compact fruit clusters. Leaves are webbed to the fruit and feeding injury takes place under the protection of the leaf; or larvae spin up between fruits of a cluster. Internal damage to apple, pear, and citrus fruits is less common, but a young larva may enter the interior of an apple or pear fruit through the calyx.
Control methods
Lightbrown apple moth is listed as a Sustained Control pest for phytosanitary purposes under the Hawke’s Bay Regional Pest Management Plan 2018-2038.
This pest is subject to Plan Rule 19.
Related links
Management Programme
Sustained Control Programme
To provide for ongoing control of the subject, or an organism being spread by the subject, to reduce its impacts on values and spread to other properties.
Unwanted Organism
An unwanted organism is any organism that's capable of causing harm to natural or physical resources (like forests and waterways) or human health. A number of introduced pests in New Zealand are classed as unwanted.
Rules
Rule 19 lightbrown apple moth
Occupiers of unmanaged pipfruit production sites shall, on receipt of a written direction from an Authorised Person, control lightbrown apple moth on their land once thirty (30) lightbrown apple moths are caught in any one lightbrown apple moth pheromone trap on their land from the 15th December until fruit harvest.
