Orange Tortrix

Argyrotaenia citrana

The larvae of the orange tortrix feed primarily on blackberry, dewberry, raspberry, and grapes. They feed on any tender, exposed vine tissue, weeds, and in grapes on the vine. They enter the shoot clusters at bloom time and make webbed nests among the berries. They injure leaves and berry stems as well. In addition to this physical injury, they vector in disease organisms that introduce rot. While larvae are active, spray with Spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki.

Orange tortrix moths are principally found in California, Oregon, and Washington. The adult moths are pale yellowish-brown to gray in color with darker mottling. Use pheromone lures and traps to monitor the population and reduce reproduction. When at rest, the moths are bell shaped and about ½ inch long. The larvae are straw-colored with brown heads and they are about ½ inch long.

Control products are listed below. For more information please see our Caterpillars and Moths Control page.

Photo courtesy of: Natural Resources Canada