European grape vine moth
California has detected a new pest of vineyards in the Oakville area called European grape vine moth, Lobesia botrana. Caterpillars of this moth feed on fruit or flowers of grapes. Others hosts have been reported including olives, blackberries, cherries, nectarines, persimmons and pomegranates. According to the mini-risk assessment by Venette et al. 2003, secondary and/or wild hosts include: arbutus (Arbutus unedo), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), bloody-twig dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), common jujube (Ziziphus jujuba), common moonseed (Menispermum canadense), cornelian cherry (Cornus mas), dewberry (Rubus caesius), ivy (Hedera helix), lilac (Syringa vulgaris), privet (Ligustrum vulgare), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), spurgeflax daphne (Daphne gnidium), Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), travelers joy (Clematis vitalba), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), and the Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana) and the adult moths show an oviposition preference for privet and certain grape cultivars, such as ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’.

The risk of establishment of this pest is considered high if introduced based on prior risk assessments though interceptions have been relatively rare. It is thought to be well-adapted to temperate climates with broadleaf trees and forests such as can be found in the North Willamette Valley.

Useful Links:

Venette, R.C., Davis, E.E., DaCosta, M., Heisler, H. & M. Larson. 2003. Mini Risk Assessment: Grape berry moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis & chiffermuller)[Lepidoptera: Tortricidae]. Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108. Aphis

The Press Democrat article: New vineyard pest detected in Napa County

HYPP Zoology home page: Vine Moth, Grape moth
Images of the moth, larva, and damage at this site

Page last modified 10/14/09