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Codling Moth adult
(John Obermeyer, Purdue University)
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Common Name: Codling Moth - adult
See also: larva | damage

Scientific Name: Tortricidae: Cydia pomonella

Status: pest of fruits and nuts

Damaging Stage: caterpillar

Biology: Codling moth adults are approximately 1/2 inch long with mottled gray wings that are held tentlike over their bodies. They can be distinguished from other moths by a dark, copper-brown band at the tips of their wings. Codling moth larvae are pink or white with a brown head capsule and are approximately 3/4 inch long.

Adults emerge in late spring and lay eggs on fruit, nuts, leaves, and spurs. The eggs hatch within two weeks, and the larvae bore into and feed inside the fruit of their host tree. After they complete development, the larvae drop from the trees to find pupation sites in the soil. There are two to three generations per year.