Aglaope

Aglaope is a genus of moths belonging to the Zygaenidae family (burnet moths) within the order Lepidoptera. The most notable member, Aglaope infausta, is known as the almond leaf skeletonizer or vine moth, recognized for its potential to affect various horticultural crops across Europe and neighboring regions.

This pest primarily infests species belonging to the Rosaceae family. Its host plants include a variety of orchard trees such as apple, pear, plum, almond, and hawthorn, as well as wild species like blackthorn. The larvae act as primary defoliators, focusing their feeding activities on the soft leaf tissues during the spring and early summer seasons.

The life cycle of Aglaope is typically univoltine, meaning one generation per year. Larvae overwinter in the second instar inside small, protective silken cocoons hidden within bark crevices or near the base of branches. As temperatures rise in spring, the larvae emerge to feed on developing buds and foliage, synchronized with the tree's growth phenology.

The impact of Aglaope is characterized by leaf skeletonization or complete defoliation. High larval densities can severely stress trees, leading to stunted shoot growth, reduced carbohydrate storage for the following year, and overall decreased vigor. In severe infestations, the cumulative damage can significantly impact fruit production and the structural health of young nursery stock.

Effective management and control of Aglaope populations require an integrated approach:

• Cultural practices including the removal of loose bark where larvae overwinter.
• Regular field scouting during spring to detect early larval activity.
• Timely application of selective insecticides when larval populations exceed economic thresholds.
• Biological control through the preservation of natural predators and parasitoids that target various life stages of the moth.