Invasive moth found in California

In September, European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) had been detected in the Oakville region of Napa County. It is the first known detection of this invasive species in the U.S. Napa County Dept. of Ag is working with USDA and Calif. Dept. of Food and Ag to trap and survey in the area to detect additional moths. Since the initial detection, the Napa Valley Register reports additional confirmations of adults and larvae have been made. International studies of the moth show its primary hosts are grape and spurge laurel. However, other hosts include carnation (Dianthus sp.), blackberry, olive, black and red currants, persimmon, kiwi, pomegranate and cherry. After the first detection over 200 sex pheromone traps were set out, but they have been pulled since the pest goes into a dormant stage during the winter. New traps will be set out in the spring.