Hedya pruniana

Plum tortrix

Description

Hedya pruniana, also known as the plum tortrix, is a species of moth in the family Tortricidae, found throughout the Palearctic region, including Central Europe, Anatolia, Iran, the Ural, Transcaucasia, and western Kazakhstan. It has a wingspan of 15–19 mm, with forewings that are white or ochreous-tinged and marked with dark fuscous and brown patterns, while the hindwings are grey, darker in females. The larvae, which are bright green with black spots and a black head, feed on various plants such as Prunus spinosa (blackthorn), Crataegus (hawthorn), Rosa, Sorbus, and Corylus avellana (hazel). Adults appearing from May to July. The larvae of the plum tortrix (Hedya pruniana) create shelters by curling or folding leaves together, binding them with silk. These curled leaves provide a protective habitat where the larvae can feed in relative safety. Within these leaf shelters, the larvae consume the soft plant tissues, causing visible damage to the leaves. This habitat also protects them from predators and environmental stress until they overwinter and eventually pupate.