# Codling Moth (*Cydia pomonella*)

The Codling Moth is a small insect that loves to eat apples! It has beautiful, colorful wings and is often found in gardens and orchards.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Orchards

![Codling Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Cydia_pomonella_%28Falter%29.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cydia_pomonella_%28Falter%29.jpg)

## Appearance

The Codling Moth is a small, mottled grey-brown moth, often featuring a distinct bronze or copper-colored patch with dark lines on the outer edge of each forewing. Its muted coloration helps it blend seamlessly with tree bark. This camouflaged appearance makes it visually different from many brightly colored garden moths.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Lepidoptera
- **Family:** Tortricidae
- **Genus:** Cydia

## Interesting facts

- Codling moths are the biggest pest for apples worldwide!
- Male moths can smell a female from over a mile away!
- Their babies can live inside apples for weeks, eating tunnels!
- They spend winter as a caterpillar in a cocoon, waiting for spring!

## Special abilities

- **Expert Blending:** Codling Moths have mottled grey-brown wings that help them blend perfectly with tree bark, avoiding hungry birds.
- **Scent Signals:** Female Codling Moths release invisible scent signals (pheromones) to attract mates from a distance, ensuring new generations.
- **Fruit Fortress:** Codling Moth larvae can tunnel deep inside apples, protecting themselves from predators while feeding on the fruit's core.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 15-20 mm
- **Size:** 8-10 mm
- **Lifespan:** 7-14 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

Larvae munch on fruit interiors; adults typically don't feed.

- **Age differences:** Larvae feed on developing fruit pulp and seeds, while adults typically do not feed or only sip water.
- **Primary Foods:** Apples, Pears, Walnuts, Quince, Apricots, Plums
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** Apple (*Malus domestica*) — Larvae bore into and feed on the fruit of this tree.
- **Eats:** Common Pear (*Pyrus communis*) — Young moths also attack the fruit of pear trees.
- **Parasitizes:** Minute Egg Parasite (*Trichogramma minutum*) — A tiny wasp that lays its eggs inside Codling Moth eggs.
- **Eaten by:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — Adult moths and larvae are prey for these insectivorous birds.

## Traits

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Don't touch moths or caterpillars you find, as they can be delicate.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Codling Moth?

Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What is Codling Moth's wingspan?

15-20 mm

### How big is Codling Moth?

8-10 mm

### How long does Codling Moth live?

7-14 days

### What does Codling Moth eat?

Larvae munch on fruit interiors; adults typically don't feed.

### Where is Codling Moth usually found?

Orchards

### How does Codling Moth hunt?

Foraging

### How many legs does Codling Moth have?

6

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Codling Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/codling-moth)