Avocado seed moth

Photo by Mark S Hoddle, University of California, Bugwood.org

Pest of avocados in Latin America causing large yield losses
Early instar larvae are white but become violet in later instars
Adult moths have a ‘C’ shape of black dots across the forewings
Moths form galleries in branches causing them to wither
Larvae penetrate fruit and destroy seed and pulp through feeding
Frass can be seen in fruit when opened, and oozing of a white exudate may occur externally

High priority pest of: Avocados

Scientific name: Stenoma catenifer
EPPRD Category:
Life Form: Butterflies & moths (LEPIDOPTERA)