Speckled Green Fruitworm: Appearance, Territory, Damage and Life Cycle

Latin Name: Orthosia Hibisci

Appearance: The speckled green fruitworm (Orthosia Hibisci) is a prevalent fruit tree pest in Utah. Caterpillar larvae hatch in the spring and begin feasting on buds, flowers, leaves, and immature fruit. As the name implies, the larva of this moth is coated with speckles, namely white speckles. The remainder of its body is green, and its head appears to be formed of jade. The ‘spine’ of the caterpillar is marked by a distinct white line. White lines go from head to tail on either side.

The Speckled Green Fruitworm enjoys the leaves of a variety of woody plants and trees. They are common on apple, cherry, crabapple, and plum trees. Elm, hickory, poplar, spruce, and willow trees are also used. This species is often parasitized, and as a result, they have become a significant food source for themselves. The wingspan is 30–38 mm. The hues range from delicate buff-grey to deep red-brown. The forewing pattern is likewise quite varied, ranging from nearly non-patterned to heavily banded. Adults fly in one generation every year from late March to April.

Hosts Plants:

• Trees that provide fruit
• Willow, birch, poplar, alder, and maple are examples of ornamental trees.

Territory: Except in arid areas, it may be found throughout much of North America. Moist woods, riparian, agricultural, and urban regions make up the habitat.

Damage Insect Cause: These insects feed on the leaves and fruits of a variety of deciduous plants. They may wreak havoc on the fruit of apples, plums, peaches, and pears.

Life History and Habits: The speckled green fruitworm spends the winter in the soil as a pupa. On April and May, adult moths emerge and deposit egg masses (100-300 eggs apiece) in the tree canopy. The moth is hefty and reddish brown (about 34 inches long and 12 inches broad), with slight marking on the wings. Larvae begin hatching in northern Utah in late April and remain until June. Each year, one generation is born. The larva has a lime-green head and a pale green body with white speckles and lines going down the back and flanks. This coloring helps it to blend in with the foliage and immature fruit.