Cherry bark moth

Taxonomic position. Enarmonia (specifically Enarmonia formosana, commonly known as the cherry bark moth) belongs to the order Lepidoptera and the family Tortricidae. Unlike most leaf-rolling moths, this species is a specialist pest that feeds under the bark of woody plants, posing a significant threat to tree health.

Host plants. The primary hosts include stone fruit trees such as cherries, plums, apricots, and peaches. While it can occasionally infest pome fruits like apples, stone fruits are significantly more susceptible. The larvae prefer to bore into the bark, especially around areas of damage, pruning wounds, or grafting unions.

Biology and life cycle. This pest usually completes one or two generations per year depending on the climate. The larvae overwinter in their tunnels under the bark. Pupation occurs in the spring, and adult moths emerge over a prolonged period during the summer. Eggs are laid singly or in small groups on the bark, often near existing fissures or wounds.

Nature of damage and impact. The larvae feed on the inner bark (phloem) and cambium layer. Their presence is indicated by the accumulation of brown frass and sap oozing from the bark crevices. Continued feeding disrupts the flow of nutrients, leading to poor growth, dieback of branches, and in cases of severe infestation, the death of the entire tree.

Control measures. Controlling the cherry bark moth is challenging due to the concealed larval feeding habits. Effective strategies include:

• Monitoring adult activity using pheromone traps.
• Removing and destroying heavily infested branches.
• Maintaining tree health to minimize bark splitting and wounds.
• Applying contact or systemic insecticides timed specifically to target larvae during the vulnerable migration phase before they enter the bark.