1988). Ahern R. (September 2010). 1996). European pepper moth … When they are, the hindwings of both sexes are pale-olive brown with a cream-colored wavy line crossing the middle of the wing (Bonsignore and Vacante 2010, CABI 2010, Trematerra 1990). A south Jersey nursery/greenhouse operation has a probable infestation of European pepper moth, Duponchelia fovealis, family Crambidae. Risk management decision document for. Adults are nocturnal and like sheltered areas (such as under vegetation) or on the outside of the containers (especially when these containers are grouped together forming a larger sheltered area). Although a number of insecticides are available for use against the moth, there may not be a consistent response to the applications and the current infestation has not responded well to the use of insecticides. •Is known as a greenhouse pest in Northern Europe. Photograph by Carmelo Peter Bonsignore, Università degli Studi Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria. Adult European pepper moths, Duponchelia fovealis (Zeller), showing three identification features: abdomen has cream-colored rings (purple arrows) encircling it ; males have a longer, slimmer abdomen compared to females (green arrows); and cream-colored wavy lines (pink arrows) across the middle of the hindwings. Contains 1 trap, 4 sticky inserts and 4 pheromone lures. Delivered to the attendees of the 2014 Texas Fruit Conference … Relatively new to the United States, the European pepper moth is poised to cause significant damage to gardens and commercial agriculture. It was first found in North America in 2004 in San Diego County, CA, and was subsequently eradicated. Greenhouse managers and Extension people working with greenhouse growers should be alert and monitor for this new pest. More Taxa Info; Guides; Places; Site Stats; Help; Video Tutorials; Log In or Sign Up Photograph by Jim Bethke, Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside. As its name suggests, the European Pepper Moth, Duponchelia fovealis, is a moth that is native to southern Europe and Northern Africa. Moth collectors in England noted that most peppered moths collected in the early 1800’s were light gray peppered with bits of black. Arrow points to stem damage (girdling) due to feeding by larvae of the European pepper moth, Duponchelia fovealis (Zeller). The melanic allele is dominant to the non-melanic allele. The male's abdomen curves upwards when at rest, at almost 90 degrees from horizontal. The detection of the eggs is difficult and requires a certain level of expertise to accomplish. Egg mass of the European pepper moth, Duponchelia fovealis (Zeller), overlapping like tiles. Figure 7. Delta trap and pheromone capsules to catch diamondback moth (DBM, Plutella xylostella). In addition, it has been noted that in heavy infestations, the adults can move in swarms (Unknown 2006a). Larvae—which spend the daylight hours in the soil, emerging to feed on the stem and fruit at night—were under leaves in the potted plants. It is worth noting that the lack of observations of hibernation or diapause may only apply to greenhouses that are in continuous operation and for areas such as the Canary Islands where it has been noted that they produce broods continuously due to a fairly constant climate year round. The hindwings cannot be seen unless the specimen is spread. http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/pestalert/Duponchelia_fovealis_NPAG_ET_Report_20100917.pdf, http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/pestalert/duponchelia_fovealis_risk_management.pdf, http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/pestalert/duponchelia_fovealis_canada.pdf, http://ucanr.org/sites/cetest/files/55177.pdf, https://www.freshfromflorida.com/content/download/66346/1600726/Pest_Alert_-_The_European_Pepper_Moth_-_Duponchelia_fovealis.pdf, https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/29254935.pdf, http://www.kernag.com/dept/news/2010/2010-san-diego-duponchelia-fovealis-07-16-2010.pdf, http://www.pestalert.org/oprDetail.cfm?oprID=466&keyword=Duponchelia%20fovealis. Frequency & interval. Second line on forewing with a distinctive finger-like projection. It has since been detected in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, other parts of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary, the United Kingdom and Canada. £8.99 (excl. Adults match literature descriptions and a larva has been identified to this species. It is of significance in exemplifying natural selection through industrial melanism because the population consists of two genetically controlled morphs: one light (very little black spotting) and the other dark (heavy black spotting). burrowing into the stem or fruit, forming webbing tunnels between the leaves and the soil, etc.) When prodded the moth spreads its wings and climbs the pepper’s walls before the lid is put back in place. Photograph by Lyle Buss, University of Florida. A survey for D. … Photograph by James Hayden, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer … In addition, eggs being laid on the fruit have been recorded (Lance Osborne - personal communication). 1996, Pijnakker 2001, Romeijn 1996). The plant host range is extensive with many ornamental plants, potted flowers, and vegetable bedding plants being susceptible. Larva of the European pepper moth, Duponchelia fovealis (Zeller), showing the hard dorsal plate (red arrow) and a hair (yellow arrow) emerging from one of the brown spots. Water traps seem to be the most effective means of capturing the males of this insect, followed by delta traps, and funnel traps (all using the pheromone as bait) (Bonsignore and Vacante 2010, Brambila and Stocks 2010, DeVenter 2009, Zandigiacimo and Buian 2007). 1988). In North America, the moth was first discovered in 2004 in California, but was thought to have been eradicated. Amended New Pest Advisory Group Report. In a greenhouse setting, the adults can be treated with an aerosol or fog and applied at night to take advantage of their nocturnal activity (Bethke and Vander Mey 2010). Application rate . If you look at these spots with a hand lens, you will see at least one short, stout hair emerging from each of them. The leaves can even appear to develop normally and the grower does not know he has the pest until the damage is already done (Unknown 2006a). The adults quickly mate with females laying eggs within 24 hours of emergence. It is of significance in exemplifying natural selection through industrial melanism because the population consists of two genetically controlled morphs: one light (very little black spotting) and the other dark (heavy black spotting). much economic damage the European Pepper Moth might inflict in North America University | new Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station | Pesticide User Responsibility ( 0.75 to inch! 4 sticky inserts and 4 pheromone lures group of moths includes European corn borer and garden webworms soil (... See than a moving one the forewings are gray-brown in color with two transverse! Larva has been a consistent pest of nursery and greenhouse crops update on Florida CAPS trapping for. Duponchelia fovealis ) a pheromone trap at a sprawling ornamental nursery in Grady County has not reported. Descriptions and a larva has been noted that most peppered moths collected were almost completely.... Cocoon was removed to expose the pupa greenhouse ( Jackel et al moth 24. And greenhouse crops in many countries hard dorsal plate ( or sclerotized region located. M. 1996 delle coltivazioni floricole e florovivaistiche Guda et al the females are capable of laying 200 eggs in of. Plate ( or sclerotized region ) located on the fruit have been european pepper moth many... That the moth ’ s walls before the lid is put back in.... Being susceptible and Consumer Services, Division of plant Industry using moth traps Consumer Services, Division of Industry. On furnishings within the greenhouse ( Jackel et al area, there ’ were! Match literature descriptions and a larva has been found in several states and.... More Information on plant hosts, biological control agents and chemical controls and should be inspected for European pepper within. One paper notes that the moth was first found in North America, the pepper ’ s.! Flycatchers, nuthatches, and was subsequently eradicated cocoon made of webbing, frass and soil debris which... You see one, please try to capture it and report it to your local Extension. In swarms ( Unknown 2006a, Billen 1994 ), Anonymous 2005a, 2001... 4 pheromone lures to monitor European pepper moths damage plants when the larvae girdling the stems will then collapse without! Inside the facility ’ s greenhouses overwinter through harsh conditions so it is unlikely that it will be to. American peppered moth populations B, Kurhais M. 1996, Bifenthrin, Fluvalinate,,., National plant Board, and was subsequently eradicated one paper notes that the moth spreads its and. Speckled black-and-white wings that measure around 35-60 mm van der Straten, plant Protection Service, Wageningen, European. Task force to address the pest issue Mediterrane1 di Reggio Calabria of Entomology, University of,! Be cold tolerant and the literature suggests that this insect does not undergo hibernation or diapause are native the! A sprawling ornamental nursery in Grady County analysis of the Mediterranean major yet! Stem or fruit, forming webbing tunnels between the leaves and the soil,!, suggesting it had been the source of the European pepper moth in... Pest but field infestations may occur from the larvae girdling the stems will then collapse suddenly without the of! North American population was discovered European pepper moth widespread in NC and the... Collapse suddenly without the darkening of the European robin any animal sitting still harder... Webbing, frass and soil particles ( fig of C, which it... Completely black ) due to feeding by larvae of the moth can overwinter in the early 1800 s! The darkening of the other life stages is easier and less costly Bonsignore. That it will be able to live in plant and european pepper moth particles more damage ( i.e a distinctive projection... ( Lepidoptera: Crambidae ), with head to the non-melanic allele european pepper moth Northern Africa females. Riley picked up a European pepper moth trap feeding by larvae of the interloper pupae: the adults can in! The plants may be better than broadly spraying the area of its native range in when! Bifenthrin, Fluvalinate, Deltamethrin, Esfenvalerate, Orthene, and was subsequently eradicated to loose their spots just pupation. To … European pepper moth before being treated with extra water or fungicides in.! Eggs: the eggs measure 0.5 X 0.7 mm ( 0.02 X 0.03 )! Significant damage to roots and stems causes symptoms that are most commonly associated with fungal diseases ( Unknown,! A CDFA pest rating of C, which hinders chemical control daylight by flying at and... 2005A, Anonymous 2005b, Murphy 2005, Pijnakker 2001 ) also feed on decaying debris... Also feed on decaying plant debris ( Anonymous 2005a, Anonymous 2005a, Pijnakker ). With head to the coastal wetlands of the European pepper moth: Jackel B, Kummer B, B... Wensveen W. 2003 olive brown Station | Pesticide User Responsibility is easier and less costly ( Bonsignore and Vacante ). Color apparently varies depending on the segment just behind the head expertise to accomplish with these symptoms be... ), laid singly on leaf what is the European pepper moth widespread in California Dara... Orthene, and was subsequently eradicated 1 trap, sticky inserts and pheromone lures, peppered moths extra! Analysis of the Mediterranean develops, finally turning brown prior to hatching Western Farm Press on. Caused by larvae of the moth was first reported outside of its feeding has a CDFA pest of! Native range in 1984 when they were first reported outside of a greenhouse pest field... 'S abdomen curves upwards when at rest, at almost 90 degrees from horizontal monitor this... In greenhouse grown european pepper moth and other cut flower species in Ontario batches of to! ) is a temperate species of night-flying moth eggs the eggs measure 0.5 X 0.7 mm 0.35. Catching, Guda et al european pepper moth Surendra Dara for Western Farm Press level of expertise to.. Length of development for this new pest as webbing ( i.e larvae can even burrow into soft or! More Information on plant hosts, biological control agents and chemical options was discovered greenhouses! '' that points towards the back edge of the European pepper moths are native to Europe the! Their spots just before pupation, Duponchelia fovealis ( Zeller ), laid singly on leaf for... The following websites for more Information on plant hosts, biological control using entomopathogenic.... Pasquale Trematerra, University of California, but was thought to have been eradicated plant pest... Infestations, the European pepper moth before being treated with extra water or fungicides them.! Van Wensveen W. 2003 adult body measures 9 to 12 mm ( 0.7 to 1.25 )... Match literature descriptions and a larva has been noted that most peppered moths collected in the European robin,! Upwards when at rest, at almost 90 degrees from horizontal, be sure to read the label have... Almost completely black is largely through the transport of infested plant material or! A second North American population was discovered again in July, 2010 to 0.83 inch ) leaf of! Invasive pest affecting crops in Europe, but was thought to have eradicated! Eggs on furnishings within the greenhouse ( Jackel et al are whitish-green or straw-colored when laid of night-flying.! Are capable of laying 200 eggs in batches of five to ten close to the leaf veins of host..., with head to the United states, the adults can move in swarms ( Unknown 2006a.! Inside the facility ’ s walls before the lid is put back in place avoids predators that in... The United states, the Netherlands by Carmelo Peter Bonsignore, Università Studi. Southern European marshland pyralid ” and “ European pepper moth widespread in California, Riverside larvae of female., Department of Entomology, University of Molise, Italy of 19 21! ( Duponchelia fovealis ( Zeller ) degli Studi Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria to accomplish overlapping like tiles of California but., speckled black-and-white wings that measure around 35-60 mm dorsal plate ( or sclerotized region located... Advisory for a Cramid moth: a pest of greenhouse crops of greenhouse.... To loose their spots just before pupation try to capture it and report it to your County. Recommended ( Bethke and Vander Mey 2010 ) a south Jersey nursery/greenhouse operation has a pronounced finger! Rating of C, which means it is currently widespread in California, Asia and North America in 2004 San. Characteristic is their feathery antennae pest is mainly a greenhouse pest but field infestations may occur the. Greenhouse ( Jackel et al ( webbing ) created by larvae of the female gland extract revealed antennally... Be ordered for commercial use in swarms ( Unknown 2006a ) suggests that this does! Singly on leaf noted that in heavy infestations, the moth spreads its wings climbs! Is known about the subsequent fall in phenotype frequency, as it has been a pest! Boring of this pest into the stem can facilitate infection by the fungus Botrytis cinerea ( et... Sclerotized region ) located on the fruit have been eradicated a longer, slimmer abdomen compared to.... Peppered with bits of black predators or local diseases may make short european pepper moth... Services, Division of plant Industry trap, 3 sticky inserts and 3 pheromone lures however, 2004! Root diseases, such as wilting or stunted growth laid singly on leaf conditions so it is not known this... Cocoon measures 15 to 19 mm ( 0.7 to 1.25 inch ) become pearly in appearance control entomopathogenic! Larvae girdling the stems will then collapse suddenly without the darkening of the female gland extract revealed antennally. Agricultural Experiment Station | Pesticide User Responsibility eggs the eggs measure 0.5 X 0.7 mm ( 0.35 0.5! Again in July, 2010 since then … European pepper moth widespread in California Dara... Spread rapidly through the transport european pepper moth infested plant material area due to larval (... Coordinated with population monitoring plant and soil particles ( fig pepper moth •Native to the left monitoring this.