Pest Identification

Identifying different life stages

Eggs are small, measuring about 0.5 by 0.7 mm, and are initially white/green in colour but mature to red as the larva develops within.

Larvae vary in colour from cream to brown with dark spots and a dark head capsule. Fully mature larvae measure up to 30 mm in length.

Pupation occurs within a cocoon made of silk and frass/dirt that measure up to 20 mm in length. The pupae are light brown and about 10 mm long.

The adult wingspan measures about 20 mm and forewings are grey/brown with two yellow/white transverse lines.

Life Cycle

Females lay around 200 eggs, in groups of up to ten eggs, typically on the underside of the lower leaves of the infested plant. Eggs hatch after around 8-10 days, and the larvae are typically found feeding in the lower regions of the crop. Pupation typically occurs within four weeks, and adult emergence occurs around 1-2 weeks later. Adults live for between 1 and 2 weeks, flying between April and October depending on geographical location.

Insect stage that causes damage

Larvae are highly polyphagous and feed on the leaves, stems, buds and flowers of the host plant, as well as the fruit of host vegetable plants. Populations can be sustained on leaf debris in some crops; in these cases the presence of D. fovealis causes little damage to the crop.

When and where to identify

Eggs and larvae are most likely to be found near to the base of plants, however feeding damage may be easier to detect as well as the webs produced by larvae. In the Mediterranean region, adult flights take place between April and October; however adults may be present throughout the year under glass.

Geographical location

Duponchelia fovealis is native to the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands, however it is now found in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

Damage

Timings

In the Mediterranean region, adult flights take place between April and October; however adults may be present throughout the year under glass, as can the damaging larval stage.

What and Where

Feeding holes in leaves and stems, as well as webbing and frass can be used to detect the presence of the larvae, which are typically cryptic, hiding in the lower regions of the crop. Feeding damage to the crown of the plant is typically more severe, causing collapse and death of plants. Adults can be monitored using sticky traps, light traps or pheromone traps.

Susceptible plant species

Duponchelia fovealis larvae are a pest of a wide range of ornamental plants and field crops.

Crops Affected by Duponchelia Fovealis

Duponchelia fovealis larvae are a pest of a wide range of ornamental plants and field crops, including:

• Ornamental plants e.g. begonia, cyclamen & rose
• Peppers
• Cucumbers
• Lettuce
• Celery
• Tomatoes
• Corn
• Some herbs

Nemasys^®C

Nemasys^® C is based on the beneficial nematodes Steinernema carpocapsae and provides control of Duponchelia fovealis in a wide range of crops.

Nemasys^® C contains nematodes in their vigorously infective juvenile stage. Once applied these nematodes seek out and control the caterpillar (larvae) of Duponchelia fovealis. It can also be applied to control a range of other caterpillar pests, including Spodoptera spp., Chrysodeixis chalcites, Mamestra brassicae, codling moth and oriental fruit moth, as well as shore fly and large pine weevil.