Tortrix Moth

Leaf rollers

The name “tortrix” comes from the Latin for “twister” — these moths get their name from the habit of their larvae, which roll or fold leaves into a shelter secured with silk threads. Inside the rolled leaf, the larva is protected from predators and parasitoids while it feeds. Different species roll leaves in different ways — some fold a single leaf edge, others create a loose tube, others tie several leaves together.

Codling moth

Cydia pomonella — the codling moth — is arguably the most economically important apple pest in the world. Its larvae bore into developing apples to reach the seeds, leaving the characteristic “maggoty apple” with a larval tunnel from the surface to the core. Before modern pesticides, a large proportion of unsprayed apples were damaged. It is a tortrix moth, despite its boring habit rather than leaf-rolling.

Vine moth

Lobesia botrana (European vine moth) damages grapevines in two generations per year — the first generation attacks flower clusters; the second attacks developing berries, creating wounds that allow grey mould (Botrytis) infection. It has spread from Europe to many wine-producing regions worldwide and is a major concern for viticulture.

Bell moths

Adult tortrix moths rest with their wings folded in a characteristic bell or boat shape — flatter than most moths and with the wings pulled tightly to the sides. This distinctive resting posture helps identify the family.