Sparganothis fruitworm
- Pronunciation
- /spar-gan-o-THIS frui-T-worm/
- Category
- Pest
- Singular
- Sparganothis fruitworm
- Plural
- Sparganothis fruitworms
Definition
A pest of cranberries and other berry crops, characterized by its yellow-green larvae with paired white spots.
Etymology
From the genus name 'Sparganothis,' which could derive from Greek 'sparganon,' meaning 'swaddle' or 'bandage', possibly referring to the webbing behavior of the larvae, and 'othis,' of unknown origin in this context.
Example
The Sparganothis fruitworm feeds on young foliage and webs together terminal vine tips before causing direct damage to the fruit.
Related Terms
- Cranberry
- Blueberry
- Berry crops
- Lepidoptera
- Tortricidae
Usage Notes
Sparganothis fruitworm has two generations per year. The first generation larvae are indirect pests, feeding on young foliage and webbing together terminal vine tips. Second generation larvae feed internally, causing direct damage to the fruit.