Clearwing moths

These pests primarily affect fruit trees, such as apples and pears, as well as berry bushes like currants. Once a larva enters the plant tissue, it tunnels through the pith, which disrupts the transport of nutrients and water throughout the plant, leading to stunted growth and branch dieback.

The life cycle of a Sesiidae moth typically spans one or two years. Adult moths are diurnal and lay eggs near cracks in the bark or near buds. Upon hatching, the larvae immediately bore into the wood, where they feed throughout their larval stage. They pupate within these galleries before emerging as adults during the warm season.

Damage is often characterized by the sudden wilting of foliage, drooping branches, and the presence of frass (larval excrement) near entry holes in the bark. If left unmanaged, a heavy infestation can cause entire branches to die or even lead to the death of the entire plant, significantly impacting fruit yields.

Management strategies focus on a combined approach to prevent infestation. Key methods include:

• Pruning and burning infested branches during the dormant season.
• Deploying pheromone traps to monitor populations and disrupt mating cycles.
• Applying targeted insecticides during the peak flight periods of adults.
• Maintaining optimal plant vigor through proper fertilization and irrigation.