Homoeosoma nebulella
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Author(s): Ilia Ustyantsev
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Homoeosoma nebulella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) - (European sunflower moth)
This small moth is found in Europe and temperate parts of Asia, where it breeds in the flower heads of composite plants. It is regarded as a pest of sunflowers and can cause serious outbreaks. For example, outbreaks in northern China in 2007 resulted in the destruction of thousands of hectares of sunflowers (Cao et al., 2010). The moth has been a major problem during the introduction of cultivated sunflowers from North America into Europe. However, the development of resistant cultivars has reduced its impact.
Female moths lay their eggs into the flower heads once these open. The larvae tunnel through the head, feeding on the flowers and developing seeds. The damage promotes the entry of pathogens and can result in head rot. The larvae complete their development within 3 weeks. They then spin down to the ground and form a cocoon in the soil. One generation lasts for 5-6 weeks.
| Vernacular names | |
|---|---|
| • Deutsch: | Sonnenblumenmotte |
| • English: | sunflower moth, European |
| • Español: | piral del girasol |
| • Français: | pyrale du tournesol |
The adult moths have a wingspan of around 20-25 mm, with a whitish to light brown colouration. Legs and antennae may be darker and the forewings have dark brown spots and patches.
Some authors use the name Homoeosoma nebulellum for this species. See also the American species Homoeosoma electellum which has a very similar biology.
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