Almond moth

The almond moth (Aglaope infausta) belongs to the order Lepidoptera and the family Zygaenidae. It is a small moth with a wingspan typically ranging from 20 to 25 mm.

Adult moths feature a dark appearance, with wing colors varying from dark gray to blackish-brown. They possess a robust body structure typical of the family.

The larvae are approximately 15–18 mm long. They display a grayish-yellow or pinkish color with longitudinal stripes and black spots, providing camouflage against bark.

Pupae develop within dense, spindle-shaped cocoons. These cocoons range from light yellow to brown and are often securely attached to branches or tree trunks.

The larvae overwinter in the early stages within dense silken webs or nests built in branch forks or near buds, ensuring their survival during the cold months.

Primary hosts for this pest include fruit trees of the Rosaceae family. Almonds, hawthorn, blackthorn, and plums are among the most frequently affected trees.

The moth is also observed on apricot and peach trees, as well as various wild fruit-bearing shrubs, posing a constant risk to both commercial orchards and gardens.

The larvae cause the most damage in early spring as they feed on swelling buds, destroying essential vegetative and floral parts of the tree.

During outbreaks, the larvae can skeletonize leaves entirely, severely reducing the tree's photosynthetic capacity and hindering its overall physiological growth.

Persistent infestations lead to significant weakening of the trees, premature fruit drop, and decreased winter hardiness, eventually resulting in lower yields.

The flight period for adult moths typically occurs during the summer months, specifically from June through August, when mating and egg-laying take place.

Eggs develop quickly, giving rise to larvae that feed on leaves throughout the season before entering their overwintering stage in protected silken nests.

Spring emergence coincides with the start of vegetation, marking the most critical period when larvae begin feeding on the newly forming fruit tree buds.

The life cycle concludes in early summer when larvae pupate, eventually giving rise to the next generation of moths and continuing the species' biological progression.

Monitoring bud development in early spring is essential, as this is the best window for detecting early signs of infestation and initiating control measures.

The first indicator of an infestation is the destruction of buds in early spring. If buds fail to open or appear chewed, the tree should be inspected immediately.

The presence of whitish silken nests attached to branch forks or twigs is a clear sign that the tree is infested with A. infausta and requires attention.

Skeletonized leaves, where only the veins remain, are a signature of larval feeding that often becomes visible during the later stages of the summer season.

Accumulated larval excrement on leaf surfaces or within silk webs serves as a reliable indicator that the larvae are active and feeding in the canopy.

Spindle-shaped cocoons found on the bark or branches indicate the completion of the larval stage and preparation for the emergence of the next generation.

Mechanical control, involving the collection and destruction of overwintering webs during the dormant season, is highly effective for reducing pest populations.

Biological treatments utilizing Bacillus thuringiensis-based products are efficient at targeting young larvae while preserving beneficial entomophagous insects.

Chemical intervention with contact-action insecticides may be necessary during the bud-burst stage if the population exceeds economic injury thresholds.

Applying treatments at the correct stage of larval development is crucial for success, as older larvae are significantly more resistant to standard applications.

• Prune tree crowns regularly to ensure proper aeration and sunlight penetration.
• Encourage the presence of natural predators to provide biological control.
• Remove wild Rosaceae plants surrounding the orchard to reduce host sources.