Choreutis nemorana | |
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Dorsal view | |
Ventral view | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Lepidoptera |
Family: | Choreutidae |
Genus: | Choreutis |
Species: | C. nemorana |
Binomial name | |
Choreutis nemorana (Hübner, [1799]) |
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Synonyms | |
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Choreutis nemorana, the fig-tree skeletonizer moth or fig leaf roller, is a species of moth of the family Choreutidae.
Choreutis nemorana has a wingspan of 16–20 mm. The basic color of the forewings varies from reddish brown to ocher brown, with whitish markings. The hindwings are brownish, with two pale brown dots on the edge.
Adults overwinter and appear in early spring. The larvae feed on figs. They are protected by a web of silken threads. Adults of the summer generation emerge in July. The second generation emerges in autumn and hibernate.
The species is considered a minor pest, causing distortion of the leaves and discoloration, scarring and tattering.
Choreutis nemorana
The underside of the hind wings
Mounted adult
Larva under webbing
Larva exiting web shelter
This species is widespread from the Canary Islands and Madeira, through the Mediterranean Region and North Africa to Asia. In 2009, it was first recorded in Belgium. It has since established colonies in the east and is expected to spread to the west.