Cherry Fruit Moth
ExploreInsects
Cherry Fruit Moth
argyresthia pruniella
The Cherry Fruit Moth is a tiny, colorful insect that loves to munch on cherry fruits! Its small size makes it a fun little creature to spot while exploring gardens and orchards.
Habitat: Cherry orchards, gardens, and wooded areas
Appearance
The Cherry Fruit Moth is a tiny, delicate insect, typically with shiny metallic silvery-grey wings marked with subtle dark lines or speckles. Its head often has a yellowish tint, distinguishing it from other small moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyArgyresthiidaeGenusArgyresthia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A single caterpillar can spoil several cherries by munching holes inside them.
Cherry Fruit Moths are so small, they can sometimes be mistaken for tiny splinters!
The adult moth uses its long, coiled tongue, called a proboscis, to sip nectar!
These tiny moths belong to a group called "up-tail" moths, named for how they rest!
Special abilities
Ability
Fruit Invader
Cherry Fruit Moth can burrow deep inside cherries as a larva, protecting itself from predators while it feeds.
Ability
Stealthy Silverscales
Cherry Fruit Moth has iridescent, silvery scales that help it blend seamlessly with tree bark and foliage.
Ability
Winter Sleeper
Cherry Fruit Moth can spend winter as a pupa, tucked away safely until the warmer spring weather arrives.
Ability
Scent Navigator
Cherry Fruit Moth can detect the faint scent of cherry trees from a distance, guiding it to ideal spots for laying eggs.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 10-13 mm
- Size
- 4-7 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-20 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch inside cherries, plums, and apricots; adult moths sip nectar from flowers.
Age differences: Larvae consume fruit pulp from inside cherries; adults feed on flower nectar and tree sap.
Primary Foods
- Prunus avium fruit
- Prunus cerasus fruit
- Prunus domestica fruit
- Prunus armeniaca fruit
- Flower nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Wild Cherry
Prunus avium
Larvae feed inside its developing fruits.
depends on
Sour Cherry
Prunus cerasus
Its fruits provide food and shelter for caterpillars.
eaten by
Blackbird
Turdus merula
Adults and larvae can be a food source for birds.
parasitizes
Parasitoid Wasp
Apanteles circumscriptus
Lays eggs on larvae, which are consumed from within.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Cherry Fruit FlyCherry MothPrunus Moth
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cherry Fruit Moth's wingspan?
10-13 mm
How big is Cherry Fruit Moth?
4-7 mm
How long does Cherry Fruit Moth live?
10-20 days
What does Cherry Fruit Moth eat?
Caterpillars munch inside cherries, plums, and apricots; adult moths sip nectar from flowers.
Where is Cherry Fruit Moth usually found?
Cherry orchards, gardens, and wooded areas
How does Cherry Fruit Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Cherry Fruit Moth have?
6
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