Green pug moth

The green pug moth (Pasiphila rectangulata) is a member of the Geometridae family, belonging to the order Lepidoptera. It is recognized as a significant agricultural pest that targets fruit-bearing trees across various temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

The primary host plants for this species are apple and pear trees, though other members of the Rosaceae family can also be infested. The larvae are particularly destructive during the early spring, coinciding with the development of buds and the emergence of floral structures.

The life cycle of the green pug moth is univoltine, meaning it produces only one generation per year. The insect overwinters in the egg stage, with eggs typically deposited in crevices of the bark. Upon hatching, the larvae immediately migrate to the developing buds to begin feeding.

The damage caused is primarily focused on the reproductive organs of the plants. The larvae bore into flower buds and blossoms, consuming the stamens, pistils, and developing ovaries. This behavior leads to the destruction of entire inflorescences, preventing fruit set and resulting in significant economic losses.

To effectively control the green pug moth population, growers should implement an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This includes timely application of insecticides when buds reach the green cluster stage, manual removal of infested shoots, and the promotion of natural predators to suppress larval populations in the orchard ecosystem.