Ancylis moth

The genus Ancylis belongs to the family Tortricidae, which is part of the order Lepidoptera. These insects are well-known leafrollers, often causing significant economic damage to both pome and stone fruit orchards across various climatic zones.

These pests primarily target species such as apples, pears, plums, and cherries. Larvae are known for their habit of rolling leaves, which serves as both a food source and a protective shelter against predators and pesticides.

The biological cycle of the Ancylis moth typically involves overwintering as a pupa or a late-instar larva within leaf litter or bark crevices. In the spring, adult moths emerge, mate, and deposit eggs on the undersides of leaves or near the buds of host plants.

Damage is characterized by leaf skeletonization and rolling. As the larvae feed, they destroy the leaf tissue, which significantly impairs the tree's photosynthetic capacity. In severe infestations, the larvae may also bore into developing buds and fruits, causing stunted growth and premature drop.

Effective control strategies involve a combination of biological and chemical measures. Growers are encouraged to use pheromone traps for monitoring and to apply targeted insecticides during the early larval stage to minimize impact on beneficial insects.

• Application of systemic insecticides during the pre-bloom phase.
• Implementation of biological control using parasitic wasps.
• Regular removal and composting of infested foliage.
• Monitoring population levels with pheromone sticky traps.