Cydia pomonella

Definition

A small tortricid moth (family Tortricidae) whose larvae are among the most economically significant pests of pome fruits worldwide. The pinkish-white caterpillars tunnel through the flesh of apples and pears to reach the core, rendering fruit unmarketable; larvae are commonly called 'apple worms' in agricultural contexts. Native to Eurasia, the species has spread globally with orchard cultivation and is managed through integrated pest management combining pheromone mating disruption, insect growth regulators, and granulovirus biocontrol.

Etymology

Cydia from Greek kydos 'glory' or 'fame'; pomonella Latin diminutive of pomum 'fruit', alluding to its association with cultivated pome fruits

Example

In Washington State apple orchards, Cydia pomonella populations are monitored using pheromone-baited traps to time insecticide applications against egg hatch, while Cydia pomonella granulovirus provides a species-specific biological control that leaves pollinators and natural enemies unharmed.

Synonyms

• Codling moth
• codlin moth
• apple worm (larva)

Related Terms

• Tortricidae
• Lepidoptera
• Integrated Pest Management
• pheromone trap
• Cydia pomonella granulovirus
• fruit borer
• orchard pest

Usage Notes

The common name 'codling moth' refers specifically to this species, though 'codling' originally meant an unripe apple or nut. Do not confuse with the apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella, a tephritid fly), which produces similar fruit damage but requires different management tactics. The larval common name 'apple worm' is colloquial and also applied to other lepidopteran fruit borers; specialists prefer 'codling moth larva' for precision. C. pomonella simpsoni (or simpsonii) is a disputed subspecies or synonym with no recognized taxonomic validity in modern treatments.