Grapevine. In Bulgaria, this pest is mainly found in vineyards along the Danube River and the Black Sea coast, and in some years, it can also be found in other regions.
The species develops one generation per year. It overwinters as a young, non-feeding larva in a silken cocoon under the old cracked bark of the vine, on the surface of the soil, and in plant residues. In the second half of April to early May, the larvae leave their overwintering sites and settle on young shoots.
The larvae develop for 35-45 days. Usually, by the first half or mid-June, they begin to pupate at the site of damage. The pupal stage lasts 8-15 days. The moths fly from the second half of June to early August.
The eggs are laid mainly on the upper side of the leaves, in groups of 40-50 to 220, arranged like fish scales. They are covered with a secretion from the accessory sexual glands of the female moth. The egg stage lasts 10-15 days, and after hatching, the larvae return to the overwintering sites.
The larvae gnaw on the leaves and spin silk threads, weaving several leaves together.
