Peach Twig Borer

Scientific Name

Anarsia lineatella

 

Host

Peaches, nectarines, apples, cherry, plums, prunes, and apricots. 

 

Habitat

Larvae are primarily twig borers but will feed on fruit when present. Early season larvae bore into the tips of tender twigs killing the tips and causing lateral twig growth. This is similar to the oriental fruit moth but the peach twig borer does not mine as deep into a shoot. Later generations attack peach fruits, either penetrating to the pits or hollowing out areas beneath the skin. 

 

Description

Adults are about 1/3 to 3/8 inch long, with narrow ash gray or steel gray wings. The wings are fringed with tiny hairs and are mottled with small light and dark spots. The wingspan is about 5/8 inch. The head bears two grey labial palps projected forwards. Larvae are small, red-brown or chocolate brown caterpillars. The head is dark and mature larvae have alternating light and dark bands and are up to 1/2 inch long. 

 

Control

Please contact your local county extension office for current information.