Tortrix moth caterpillars

These small green caterpillars are the larval stage of moths belonging to a family called tortrix moths (Tortricidae). There are almost 400 species of tortrix moth in the UK but there are two which can feed on a wide range of plants and commonly cause problems in gardens and glasshouses; the carnation tortrix moth (Cacoecimorpha pronubana) and light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana).

These small green caterpillars are the larval stage of moths belonging to a family called tortrix moths (Tortricidae). There are almost 400 species of tortrix moth in the UK but there are two which can feed on a wide range of plants and commonly cause problems in gardens and glasshouses; the carnation tortrix moth (Cacoecimorpha pronubana) and light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana).