Epiphyas fruit moths in Western Australia – light brown apple moth and 'western fruit moth'

A range of species of Epiphyas fruit moths occurs in WA. The most abundant are light brown apple moth, E. postvittana and 'western fruit moth' E. pulla. To monitor these moths, separate pheromone traps are required. The larval stage damages a wide range of plants by feeding on growing tips, leaves and fruit. The growth habit of plants can be affected; damaged fruit is downgraded or rejected. The presence of larvae on export fruit has quarantine implications. Genetic tests are available to distinguish between species of Epiphyas.