Chinese character moth

The Chinese character moth (Cilix glaucata) is a small moth belonging to the Drepanidae family. It is widely distributed across Europe and parts of Asia, frequently encountered in gardens and orchards where its primary host plants are present.

The larvae, or caterpillars, feed exclusively on various species of the Rosaceae family. Their preferred hosts include hawthorn, blackthorn, apple, pear, and sometimes cherry or plum trees. While typically not considered a major agricultural threat, heavy infestations can cause localized defoliation in smaller trees or nursery stock.

The biological cycle of this species typically consists of two generations per year. The insect overwinters as a pupa inside a tough, silk-like cocoon attached to the twigs or branches of the host plant. The moths emerge in spring to start the first generation, followed by a second flight in the summer months.

Damage is caused by larvae that consume leaves, often leaving only the main veins. A distinct behavioral trait is that the caterpillars construct shelters by spinning leaves together with silk. These shelters provide protection against predators and environmental stress, making manual monitoring essential during the growing season.

To manage Cilix glaucata, a preventative and targeted approach is recommended.

• Monitor for signs of leaf rolling and silk webbing on Rosaceae plants.
• Prune and destroy infested branches or leaf clusters manually if numbers are low.
• Apply environmentally friendly insecticides during the early larval stage if the infestation threatens plant health or yield quality.