Green Fruitworms (Lepidoptera: NoctUidae)

The most common species of fruitworm known to feed on grape is the pyramidal fruitworm, Amphipyra pyramidoides (Guenee). Two other species,

Lithophane antennata (Walker) and Orthosia hibisci (Guenee), also feed on grape foliage.

The pyramidal fruitworm overwinters in the egg stage. Near the end of April, larvae emerge from these eggs and proceed to feed on the new grape foliage. By mid- to late June, the larvae are fully developed. They either crawl or drop to the soil surface and manufacture a cocoon of silk and debris. During the first part of July, adult moths emerge; these moths do not lay eggs until about the end of September. Eggs are placed individually or in small masses on old canes.

The larva of the pyramidal fruitworm is green with a yellow line along each side of the body. It is 1/2 inch long when fully developed.

Fruitworms do not ordinarily occur in large enough numbers to require control.

Current pesticide recommendations may be found at Here

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