Fruit stings caused by newly-hatched codling moth caterpillars

  Codling moth caterpillars enter the fruit within 24 hours of hatching. The young caterpillar prefers entry on the ripe side and/or at the calyx, but sometimes where two fruits touch. A spiral gallery is constructed beneath the fruit surface before it moults to second stage and begins boring into the fruit. Some of the seeds are usually eaten and extensive tunnelling may occur. The tunnels may contain clumps of faecal pellets (frass) and some of these are pushed to exit holes on the surface. Fruit exudates may be seen at these holes. Caterpillars may die at any stage from disease or from chemical or microbial insecticides. Initial attack on the fruit by young caterpillars may leave very small stings on the surface. Overwintering caterpillars construct cocoons under the bark and by boring into holes on the branches and trunk.
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