Pyramidal Fruitworm: Appearance, Territory, Damage and Life Cycle

Latin Name: Amphipyra Pyramidoides

Appearance: Fruitworms are the larvae of many moth species in the genus Lepidoptera and come in a variety of forms. The larvae are fruit tree parasites that appear as thick green caterpillars. Fruitworms infest their host trees, causing harm to new growth, leaves, blossoms, and fruit. The damage is frequently noticed after it is too late to control the fruitworm. Learn how to control fruitworms to protect your home fruit crop from damage and scarring. Gardeners must keep a watchful eye on their fruit trees to ensure that pests do not infest them. Visual checks in the early to mid-spring months may reveal green worms on fruit. Although there is only one generation each year, the larvae pupate and overwinter in the earth before emerging to eat when sensitive shoots and buds sprout.

Hosts Plants: Fruit Plants

Territory: The speckled green fruitworm (Orthosia Hibisci), the pyramidal fruitworm (Amphipyra pyramidoides), and the green fruitworm (Amphipyra pyramidoides) all live in the Northwest (Lithophane Antennata). They may be found throughout the United States and Canada’s temperate fruit-producing areas.

Damage Insect Cause: The pyramidal fruit worm is a significant pest of numerous fruits. Pyramidal fruitworm larvae feed on leaves and immature green fruits at all stages of development. Pyramidal fruitworms can substantially reduce fruit production in extreme infestations.

Life History and Habits: The egg stage of the pyramidal fruitworm survives the winter. Early in April through May, eggs hatch into little caterpillars that begin feasting on the leaves and immature fruits. Caterpillars grow through four developmental phases and mature while eating. Mature larvae descend to the ground in June and pupate in silken cocoons beneath plant detritus. In July, adult moths emerge from pupae. Females deposit eggs as overwintering stages after mating. Pyramidal fruitworms may complete one generation in a year if conditions are favorable.