Prays oleae

Olive moth
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Praydidae
Genus: Prays
Species:
P. oleae
Binomial name
Prays oleae
Bernard, 1788
Synonyms

Prays oleae (olive moth) is a moth of the family Plutellidae found in Europe.

Description

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The wingspan is 11–15 millimetres (3858 in).

The larvae are a pest on olives (Olea europaea). Other recorded food plants include Phillyrea, jasmine and Ligustrum. They mine the leaves of their host plant which initially consists of an upper-surface, short, narrow corridor.[1]

Distribution

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The moth is found in Southern Europe (the Mediterranean region) and North Africa. It was first found in Great Britain at a garden centre in Surrey in 2009 and has since been found at a light trap in Kent.[2]

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References

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  1. ^ Ellis, W N. "Prays oleae (Bernard, 1788) small olive ermel". Plant Parasites of Europe. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  2. ^ Kimber, Ian. "22.004 BF449c Prays oleae (Bernard, 1788)". UKmoths. Retrieved 28 March 2020.