Tabby knot-horn moth, Euzophera pinguis

The tabby knot-horn moth is an important pest of olive groves all over the Mediterranean, in particular Spain, Portugal and North Africa. The larvae overwinter within tree bark until spring. The young larvae then bore directly into a nearby stem and feed on the tree just below its surface layer. Young larvae have easier access to trees with pruning wounds and machinery damage. Mature larvae stay within the tree during pupation, with the emergence of the first generation of adults from late March to early June, making adult olive moths long-lived. Females lay eggs singly or in small groups in bark crevices or accumulations of frass, Monitor adults using Mothcatcher or Delta traps with species-specific pheromone lures in order to time treatments and reduce crop damage.
Tabby knot-horn moth
Biology

 

Nature of Damage

 

Monitoring