Hawthorn moth

The Hawthorn moth (Scythropia crataegella) is a member of the order Lepidoptera and the family Yponomeutidae (ermine moths). This pest is commonly found across various regions, often targeting trees within the Rosaceae family in orchards, hedgerows, and parks.

The species primarily feeds on hawthorn, but it frequently attacks fruit trees such as apple, pear, cherry, and plum. When infestations occur, the combined feeding activity of the larvae can cause severe defoliation, leading to reduced tree vigor, diminished fruit quality, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections or winter damage.

The biological cycle of this insect involves one generation per year. The larvae overwinter in small, communal silk webs attached to tree branches. As soon as buds begin to burst in the spring, the larvae emerge from their wintering sites to feed on the tender foliage, eventually spinning white cocoons within communal silken nests to pupate.

The most visible sign of infestation is the presence of large silken webs that envelope entire clusters of leaves. The larvae consume the leaf tissue while leaving the veins intact, which is a process known as skeletonization. In severe cases, the entire tree can appear scorched or withered by mid-summer, severely impacting the tree's photosynthesis and overall health.

Effective management and control strategies for the Hawthorn moth include the following methods:

• Physical removal and destruction of the overwintering nests during winter pruning.
• Applying insecticides during the early spring bud-burst phase to target emerging larvae.
• Utilizing biological control agents, such as specific entomopathogenic bacteria, to treat outbreaks.
• Maintaining high orchard hygiene to reduce potential nesting sites for the next season.