Codling Moth

Codling moths undergo four developmental life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. CM tend to overwinter in the larval stage beneath loose bark, in orchard debris, or around storage bins. Around springtime, these overwintering larvae pupate and then emerge during the growing season.

Codling moths typically have 2-3 flights per year, with a partial 4^th flight sometimes observed in warmer growing regions. Codling moth’s developmental timeline varies from year to year and region to region.

Egg Stage:

Codling moth eggs are oval, flat, and transparent. They are quite small, measuring 2mm long. Adult moths typically lay eggs on individual leaves or fruit. Due to their size, they are difficult to locate in commercial orchards. 

Larval Stage:

After hatching, larvae remain small, measuring about 2-3mm long. Post feeding and fully grown, they can reach anywhere from 12-20mm. Mature larvae are creamy white, have dark head capsules (brown or black) and thoracic shields (hard, protective collars directly behind their head capsules). CM larvae are unique because they burrow through fruit to its core and seeds, feeding heavily and emitting frass along the way. 

Pupal Stage:

When feeding concludes, larvae exit fruit and search for protected areas of the tree to spin cocoons. In the pupal stage, CM are brown and reside within cocoons. Pupae are immobile and develop into adult flying moths. 

Adult Stage: 

Adult codling moths are about 12mm long. The majority of their wing pattern has alternating bands of light brown and gray, with bronze colored wing tips that reflect sunlight. Moths tend to be most active on warm evenings above 60 °F.