UF/IFAS Vegetable Arthropod Pest Photographs CD-ROM III

Pickleworm, Diaphania nitidalis
(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The pickleworm commonly occurs in south Florida and south Texas where it is capable of overwintering. It is distributed widely in Central and South America. The pickleworm is very dispersive and invades much of the Southeast each summer. Several naturally occurring generalist enemies of the pickleworm are identified but none reliably suppress damage. The life cycle can be completed in about 30 days and the number of generations per year ranges from two to four. Eggs may be round or flattened, and are white initially but change to yellow. The larvae are white with dark gray or black spots and color varies as the larvae mature. Before pupation, larvae turn a dark copper color. Pupation occurs in a leaf fold and dead, dry material is often used. The adult is fairly distinctive in appearance with both the front and hindwings being a semi-transparent yellow color with an iridescent purplish reflection.

The pickleworm feeds only on cucurbits, including both wild and cultivated species. Winter and summer squash are considered to be good hosts. The larvae cause the damage and usually prefer blossoms. However, the larva commonly burrows into the fruit, and its entrance is marked by a small hole. Some hosts, such as cantaloupe, are not commonly burrowed into; instead, the rind is fed upon, causing scars. The pickleworm is sometimes referred to as a "rindworm." Sampling for the pickleworm is very difficult, and most growers depend on preventative applications of insecticides. Pollinators are commonly required in the production of cucurbits and should be taken into account before insecticides are applied. Cultural control practices include row covers and trap crops.

Images

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Pickleworm, Diaphania nitidalis, adult.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)
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Pickleworm, Diaphania nitidalis, larva.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)
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Pickleworm, Diaphania nitidalis, larva feeding inside
cucumber fruit.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)
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Pickleworm, Diaphania nitidalis, mature larva, close to
pupation.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)
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Pickleworm, Diaphania nitidalis, larval exit holes in squash
flower buds.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)
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Pickleworm, Diaphania nitidalis, frass on pumpkin from
larval feeding site.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)
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