Grape leaffolder, Desmia funeralis (Hubner)

This is taken primarily from an extension bulletin by D. G. Pfeiffer & P. B. Schultz, entitled "Major Insect and Mite Pests of Grape in Virginia" (Va. Coop. Ext. Serv. 444-567 (1986))
Pupae of this moth overwinter in folded, fallen leaves. Adults are dark brown with white spots on the wings. Both sexes have two white spots on the forewings; on the hind wings, males have one irregularly shaped white spot and females have two white spots. Moths appear in late May or June. Females oviposit on canes and leaves, especially in the angle of the leaf vein and surface. After hatching, larvae begin feeding on and folding the leaves; leaves are rolled in thin-leaved varieties. Caterpillars are light green with dark markings near their heads and reach lengths of 2 cm. Feeding continues for about a month and the ensuing pupal stage lasts about ten days. A second generation is present in August and September. The second generation is more damaging. Each larva will make two or more rolls during its development. Infestations are often localized within a vineyard and usually occur first along borders. Grape leaffolder has been commonly seen in some Virginia vineyards.
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