Tortrix moth

Tortrix moths belong to the moths. More than 2,500 species are found in Britain. Characteristic for tortrix moths is that they live in a rolled or folded leaf.

Also known as:
Leafroller moth
Do not confuse with:
Leaf rolling weevils (Attelabidae)

recognize tortrix moths
Dark strawberry tortrix, photo: Svdmolen - CC by 2.5

Tortrix moths (Tortricidae) belong to the moths. More than 2,500 species are found in Britain. Characteristic of tortrix moths is that they live inside a rolled or folded leaf or are spun in between leaves.
The caterpillars of the tortrix moths eat leaves, shoots and buds.
Tortrix moths have a wingspan between 10 and 40 mm and the wings are folded over the body at rest, protecting the body. Most tortrix moths have soft nature colors (grey, brown, green). The head of a tortrix moths is covered with scales.
Parasitic wasps and predatory bugs are among the natural enemies of tortrix moths.

Where to find

  • Deciduous trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants in the ornamental and vegetable garden.

Control

Difficult to to control: because the larvae are hidden, they are largely inaccessible to natural enemies.
In horticulture, tortrix moths are controlled with the biocides roundworms – nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae) and predatory bugs (Macrolophus caliginosus).

Prevention

For greenhouse crops, provide windows with insect netting to keep out leaves tortrix moths.