Prays oleae (olive moth) is a moth of the family Plutellidae found in Europe.
| Olive moth | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Praydidae |
| Genus: | Prays |
| Species: | P. oleae
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| Binomial name | |
| Prays oleae Bernard, 1788
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| Synonyms | |
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Description edit
The wingspan is 11–15 millimetres (3⁄8–5⁄8 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 edit
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]
Gallery edit
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Leafmines by Prays oleae larvae -
Larva -
Young larva -
Older larva -
Olive leaves mined by the young larva (2b, 2b*); olive shoot eaten by the mature larva (2b**)
References edit
- ^ Ellis, W N. "Prays oleae (Bernard, 1788) small olive ermel". Plant Parasites of Europe. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
- ^ Kimber, Ian. "22.004 BF449c Prays oleae (Bernard, 1788)". UKmoths. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
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