Status
Morley’s Final Catalogue: Not listed.
Recent Status: A pest of tomato growing areas in the Mediterranean area. As an adventive it has been found in British glasshouses. As an immigrant it can also been found in Britain and that is how it reaches Suffolk. First recorded in Suffolk during 2013.
Life Style: The moth is multi-brooded in warm climates and glass houses. It mines and feeds externally from a web across all parts of the plant. Although known as a tomato pest it feeds on a wide range of related plants. It is unable to survive British winters.
Identification: The moth is small and exceedingly active. The striped palps and legs along with the distinctive mottled pattern allow it to be identified. It does vary however and can be darker. There is also a form that is almost black with a clear whitish sub-terminal fascia. Genitalia dissection is then required for identification. https://mothdissection.co.uk/species.php?Tx=Tuta_absoluta  | Determination by Genitalia Examination Required | |
Recorded in 7 (12%) of 58 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 2013.
Last Recorded in 2023. |