Laurel, Portuguese (Prunus)-Carnation tortrix

Cacaecimorpha pronubana

Pest description and crop damage Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) sometimes is infested with the larvae of the carnation tortrix, a small, bell-shape brown moth with reddish underwings and dark bands on the upper wings. The caterpillars are light brown or greenish with brown heads and are about 0.375 to 0.5 inch long at maturity. The larvae feed by rolling leaves and tying them with webbing. The larvae are very active when disturbed. The carnation tortrix attacks many broad-leaved evergreen plants, but seldom causes serious damage. Larvae are active year round. Outside the U.S., this has been a serious pest of carnations and is found on hosts including apple, pear, and citrus.

Management-cultural control

Pick off larvae when found.

Management-chemical control

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