Platynota stultana

MOTH INFO

Platynota stultana is a moth of the family Tortricidae on the island of Crete, Greece.

Superfamily: Tortricoidea > Family: Tortricidae > Subfamily: Tortricinae > Tribus: Sparganothini > Genus: Platynota

Wingspan

11-14 mm

Habitat

Crops, orchards and gardens.

Food plant*

Platynota stultana has a broad host range, having been reported on more than 100 plant species across 30 different families. In the USA, Platynota stultana is primarily recorded as a pest of outdoor crops in California, especially Citrus, cotton (Gossypium), grape (Vitis), peach (Prunus persica), and peppers (Capsicum annum). It has also been found in protected glasshouse crops of roses (Rosa) and carnations (Dianthus) in multiple states. Other important hosts include apples (Malus), aubergine (Solanum melongena), blackberries and raspberries (Rubus), maize (Zea mays), pepper (Capsicum annuum), tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), celery (Apium graveolans), Sorghum, soya bean (Glycine max) and beans (Phaseolus). It has also been observed feeding on various ornamental plants, including geranium (Pelergonium), Cyclamen, several other trees i.e. walnut (Jugulans), pine (Pinus), yew (Taxus), various grasses (Poaceae), and many others.

Newly hatched larvae move upwards, toward the tips of shoots and typically hide between young leaves or in other sheltered spots. Older larvae are capable of rolling leaves by binding them with silk and are usually found alone inside these rolled structures. They may also infest fruit, either by spinning a leaf over the fruit’s surface to remain hidden or by boring deeper into the fruit.

Flight period**

**based on one observation on the island

Links-Sources

Lepiforum e. V.

*A. Korycinska, D. Eyre and A. Linay, 2024. Omnivorous Leafroller Platynota stultana. Plant Pest Factsheet. Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), June 2024 (Version 2)