Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > Garden Pests > Flies, moths, wasps,and other insects with obvious wings - 1/4 to 3/4 inch long > Codling moth

Codling moth

Cydia pomonella (Carpocapsa pomonella)

Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Description: 3/8 inch long (including wings when at rest). Light gray-brown wings with alternating white bands or mottled areas.

Where/When: Primarily a pest of apples. Lays eggs on the fruit spurs, leaves, and twigs a short distance from the apple cluster. Adults are active in May and June and again in late July through August.

Significance: Damages apples when the larvae tunnel through and eat the fruit and seeds. Generally not common in home orchards in Minnesota but when present can be very damaging.

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