Western grapeleaf

The insect belongs to the moth family and the order of butterflies. Among others, there are the species Harrisina americana and Harrisina metallica. The insect, which was first discovered in California in 1941, is native to Mexico and some southwestern US states. The moth has narrow black wings and a reddish collar. The wingspan is 18 to 28 mm, the length 8 to 12 mm. The caterpillars (larvae), up to 15 mm long, have a dark head; the body is yellow with a continuous black band or series of black dots over each body segment. They live permanently on the underside of the leaves, often standing side by side. They feed on the soft tissue of the leaves, of which only the rib skeleton remains. This is why the pest is also called a "skeletonizer". See also a complete listing of all pests and diseases under Vine Enemies.

Picture left: By Alison Hunter - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, link
Middle image: By Shaina Noggle of Goth Moths - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Image right: By xpda - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

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Western grapeleaf

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