• Summer fruit tortrix

  General The summer fruit tortrix ( Adoxophyes orana ) is a serious pest of apple, pear, apricot, cherry, peach, plum and other fruit trees. Damage symptoms Larvae feeding on mature fruits, especially on apple and pear, remove the skin and graze shallowly into the fruit flesh to form large irregular patches. These feeding areas become an even russet colour and the fruits may become unmarketable. Damage to the surface of developing plums may result

• False codling moth

  General False codling moth ( Thaumatotibia leucotreta ) is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is found in all citrus production areas in Southern Africa. It also occurs on some of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean islands, such as Mauritius and Cape Verde. False codling moth was previously known as Cryptophlebia leucotreta . The reason for this pest’s high pest status is its quarantine status and is not due to the economic losses. Damage and symptoms

• Corn rootworm

  General The western corn rootworm ( Diabrotica virgifera virgifera ) is a chrysomelid beetle originating from North America, where it is regarded as the main pest of maize. Nowadays it is present in many European countries, including Italy, where it is widespread in the maize-growing areas in the north. Maize is the only crop in which high population densities can develop, and consequently it is susceptible to serious damage. Adults may also be

• Garden swift moth

  General The garden swift moth, Korscheltellus lupulina, is extremely polyphagous and damage has been reported from many crops including strawberries, raspberries and hops. It is widespread in Europe. Damage symptoms Most serious damage is caused in autumn, winter and spring. Strawberries are often attacked, especially if they are planted in recently ploughed grassland. The larvae bore large tunnels into the crown, retarding growth and causing

• European corn borer

  General The European corn borer ( Ostrinia nubilali s), is a severe pest of maize and has also been reported to attack apple, strawberries, peppers and other plants. It is present in Europe, North Africa and North America, where it was introduced. Damage symptoms Horizontal rows of holes in the young leaves, caused by larval feeding, provide an early indication of European corn borer attack. Later, frass and holes are easily visible on stems, or on

• European vine moth

  General The European vine moth ( Lobesia botrana ), is an serious pest of grapevine in central and southern Europe. It is also present in parts of Africa and Asia. Damage symptoms The larvae destroy flower buds and also cause the death of open flowers and young fruitlets. Later in the season they destroy developing or maturing grapes. Fungal pathogens often invade the damaged tissue, which can lead to further losses. The silken larval habitations and

• Red-belted clearwing

  General The red-belted clearwing ( Synanthedon myopaeformis ) is a pest of apple, often only attacking old and neglected trees. Other hosts are pear, almond, peach, cherry and plum. It is widely distributed in central and southern Europe. Damage symptoms of Red-belted clearwing The bark covering infested parts peels of readily and the infestation encourages invasion of fungal pathogens. Severe attacks lead to soft, blackish patches of bark from

• Red plum maggot

  General The red plum maggot ( Cydia funebrana ) is mainly a pest of plums but can also attack apricot and peach. It occurs in Europe and Asia. Damage symptoms The mines produced in the fruit quickly become brownish and the flesh in the area near the stone is eaten and converted into a mass of wet brown frass. Attacked fruit ripen prematurely and fall off. Droplets of dried up gum can be seen at the entry holes. Life cycle and appearance of Red

• Cutworms

  General Cutworms ( Agrotis spp.) are occurring worldwide. Important species are for instance the black cutworm Agrotis ipsilon and the turnip moth Agrotis segetum . The larvae of these moths usually feed on roots and plant parts close to the ground, thereby often cutting the stems of young plants. This is where their common name comes from. Cutworms are vey polyphagous and have a wide host range. Damage symptoms Early instar cutworm larvae can

• Click beetles

  General Click beetles are elongate beetles with a hard exoskeleton, with the head deeply retracted into the thorax. When disturbed they lie on their back feigning death and then suddenly propel themselves into the air with a audible click. Hence their name. Their larvae are called wireworms and feed on the roots of many plants. Damage symptoms The click beetles feed on the roots and bore into the base of plants. This can cause the plants to wilt