Figure of Eight

The Figure of Eight (Latin: Diloba caeruleocephala) is a moth species belonging to the order Lepidoptera and the family Noctuidae. It is a well-known pest in horticultural settings, primarily recognized for the damage its larvae cause to fruit-bearing trees during the early spring season.

This pest mainly targets host plants within the Rosaceae family. Its diet consists largely of apple, pear, plum, cherry, apricot, and blackthorn leaves. In cases of high population density, the larvae can cause significant defoliation, which stresses the host plants and impacts their overall health.

The biological cycle of the Figure of Eight consists of one generation per year. The insect overwinters in the egg stage, with eggs laid on the bark of young twigs. In the spring, coinciding with bud burst, larvae emerge and begin to feed intensively on developing buds and foliage.

The damage caused by these caterpillars is characterized by irregular chewing of leaves and buds. The economic impact is linked to the reduction of the photosynthetic leaf area, which can hinder fruit development and weaken the tree structure if left uncontrolled over several seasons.

Effective pest management relies on a combination of cultural and chemical practices. Early spring application of insecticides is often necessary to control larvae before they cause widespread damage. Maintaining tree health through proper pruning and monitoring for egg clusters on twigs can significantly reduce infestation risks.

• Monitoring for egg clusters on young branches.
• Applying bio-insecticides during the larval emergence period.
• Utilizing pheromone traps for population tracking and management.