Red-belted clearwing moth, Synanthedon myopaeformis

Synanthedon myopaeformis is a native of North Africa and Europe that has recently invaded North America. The red-belted clearwing is a destructive insect pest of top and stone fruit crops, most notably apples, pears, plums, quinces, cherries and apricots. Females lay up to 250 eggs within the bark of fruit trees and upon hatching, larvae feed on plant tissues beneath the bark which can lead to tree death. Severe infestations can build quickly and cause massive reductions in crop yield and treee death. Use Mothcatcher and Delta traps with species-specific pheromone lures for monitoring in order to time treatments as part of an effective integrated pest management programme.
Red-belted clearwing moth
Biology

 

Nature of Damage

 

Monitoring