Argyresthia pruniella
(Clerck, 1759)
cherry fruit moth, cherry blossom tineid
Argyresthia pruniella is a small in the , commonly known as the cherry fruit moth or cherry blossom . It is recognized by its distinctive reddish- with markings and narrow, fringed . The is considered an agricultural pest due to larval feeding in the shoots of fruit trees. It occurs across Europe, Asia Minor, and North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Argyresthia pruniella: /ɑːrˌdʒaɪˈrɛsθia pruːniˈɛlə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar Argyresthia by the combination of reddish- ground color with contrasting stripe and dark transverse . The row of white spots along the forewing margin and white-banded are additional diagnostic characters. Larval association with Prunus and other Rosaceae aids identification. Dissection of may be required for definitive separation from closely related species.
Images
Appearance
have a wingspan of 10–13 mm. are reddish- with a stripe, a dark transverse brown stripe across the middle, and a row of white spots along the lower edge. are brownish, very narrow, with long fringes. are white with brown . are pale green with a brown .
Habitat
Associated with orchards and areas where plants (Rosaceae fruit trees and Corylus) occur. develop within shoots of host trees.
Distribution
Europe (widespread), Asia Minor, and North America. Present in Belgium with records from Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, and Antwerp province.
Seasonality
period from early July to late August.
Diet
are , feeding internally in shoots of plants.
Host Associations
- Malus - larval apple
- Prunus - larval apricot, cherry, peach, plum
- Pyrus - larval pear
- Corylus - larval hazel
Life Cycle
lives in shoots of plants. Specific details of placement, site, and stage not documented in available sources.
Behavior
are attracted to light.
Ecological Role
As a shoot-boring , it may act as a pest in natural and cultivated with trees. Specific functions not documented.
Human Relevance
Considered a pest of cultivated fruit trees (apple, cherry, peach, plum, pear) due to larval damage to shoots.
Similar Taxa
- Other Argyresthia speciesMany Argyresthia share small size and metallic or striped patterns; dissection often required for definitive identification
- Argyresthia fundellaSimilar size and pattern; requires examination of or association for separation