The black-spotted moth, also known as the black-spotted leaf moth or apple black-wing moth, is a member of the insect class Insecta, order Lepidoptera, and family Noctuidae. This small but impactful species can be found in various regions, particularly in orchards and agricultural areas where fruit trees are cultivated.
Adults measure about 5 to 6 mm in body length with a wingspan of approximately 16 mm. Their overall coloration is taupe, with dark brown and shiny forewings and hindwings. The forewings feature a light-colored lateral band near the outer margin at around one-quarter of the wing's length, running from the leading edge to the trailing edge. There are three to four dark spots on the central part of the wings, two of which are especially prominent. The hindwings have a grayish-brown appearance.
The eggs are oval-shaped, pale yellow, and measure about 0.5 mm in length, with a pearlescent sheen. They are typically laid in clusters on the base of young leaves.
Larvae grow up to 10 to 15 mm long and are easily identifiable by their three purplish-red vertical stripes along the dorsal line, resembling a combination of yellow, white, purple, and red. The head, thorax, and anal plate are brown, while the prothoracic shield is dark brown. The larvae have 34 to 38 pairs of bi-sequential rings on their abdominal segments, with 28 to 32 double-ringed hooks on the posterior legs.
These larvae feed on new shoots, constructing silken nests that contain a thin, white, silk-like channel filled with feces and loose insects. They often cluster together, causing significant damage to young orchards. In severe infestations, entire branches and leaves can be stripped down to just the veins and epidermis, leaving the tree looking yellowed and stunted. This damage hinders fruit development and weakens the overall health of the tree.
The life cycle of the black-spotted moth includes three generations per year in regions like Hebei and Shaanxi. Overwintering adults emerge in mid to late April in the Guanzhong area of Shaanxi, laying eggs at the base of unexpanded young leaves. The first generation of larvae appears in mid-April, initially feeding on unopened leaves before rolling them into protective shelters. As they mature, they feed on the upper surface of the leaves, leaving the lower side intact. Large infestations may involve 10 to 20 larvae per shelter, causing leaves to appear lace-like. By late May, the first generation begins to pupate, and adults emerge in late June. Second-generation larvae appear in early July, and by late July, they begin to pupate again, with second-generation adults emerging in mid-August. The third generation continues to cause damage until mid-September, with older larvae overwintering through October.
To manage this pest, both manual and chemical control methods are effective. Manual techniques include removing fallen leaves, weeding, and eliminating overwintering populations. Pruning damaged leaves during the growing season helps reduce larval numbers. Chemical control options include using 80% dichlorvos EC, 48% chlorpyrifos, 25% quinophosphate, 50% malathion EC, or 2.5% cypermethrin emulsifiable concentrate. Other effective treatments include 20% fenpropathrin, 10% acephate EC, and 52.25% imidacloprid emulsifiable concentrate. It is important to apply these pesticides during critical periods, such as the overwintering stage and the first-generation hatching phase, for optimal results.
Tuna Hamburger,Tuna Sushi,Tuna Products
Zhejiang Ocean Family Co., Ltd., , https://www.ocean-family.com