Yellowstriped Fruitworm: Appearance, Territory, Damage and Life Cycle

Latin Name: Lithophane Unimoda

Appearance: The dowdy pinion, Lithophane Unimoda, is a cutworm or dart moth of the Noctuidae family. It is native to North America. Wingspan: 38-44 mm Forewings are a rich bluish-grey with hazy markings. A white to pale grey orbicular spot is the most noticeable characteristic, whereas a kidney shaped marking is less noticeable. Hindwings have a light greyish-brown color.

Hosts Plants: Larvae eat mostly on cherries, but also on other Rosaceae species as crabapple and plum.

Territory: Europe, the Middle East and China

Damage Insect Cause: They destroy black cherry trees as well as several other deciduous trees such as plum, pear, and crabapple. Caterpillars must consume fresh leaves; if they just eat older leaves, they will starve. Late instar larvae may also feed on the host plant’s fruit.

Life History and Habits: Adults emerge in the fall, hibernate, and then reappear in the spring. They are drawn to both light and bait. Larvae are solitary defoliators that are cannibalistic when bred in captivity.