Not known to transmit any human or animal pathogens.

Stenoma catenifer is not known to be a vector of, or associated with, any pathogens or other organisms.

Hang traps inside the tree canopy at ~6 feet high. If trapping for more than one species of moth, separate traps for different moth species by at least 65 feet.

The wing trap is available in a plastic or paper version; either type may be used for this target.

Attaching lures to traps

IMPORTANT: Do not include lures for other target species in the trap when surveying for this target.

Do not include lures for other target species in the trap when trapping for this target.

Note: Visual surveys for larvae are not an approved method and cannot be used to report negative data, but we are including some visual guidance to help surveyors who may observe larvae or signs of infestation. 

Stenoma catenifer damages both young and mature avocados, typically targeting fruits in the upper half of the trees. Within the fruit, damage is concentrated in the lower half. Additionally, larvae can tunnel into the small terminal stem/twigs of young trees, causing dieback.

Signs of fruit infestation include: 

• Larval entrance holes in the fruit, the size of a pinhole.
• Whitish exudates running down the sides of the fruit.
• Accumulated brown frass expelled through the entry hole.
• Premature fruit drop.
• Brown frass, tunneling, and total seed destruction in cut fruit.

See the Pest Datasheet for more details and images.

A Likelihood of Establishment Map is now available. This survey should only be considered in the states with appropriate conditions and suitable hosts for this moth.

The map was produced by the SAFARIS Team. SAFARIS is a modeling framework that enables PPQ to quickly respond to emergencies, efficiently survey for pests, and assess potential pest impacts by collecting critical geospatial data and developing predictive models. SAFARIS is developed and maintained by the NC State University, Center for Integrated Pest Management (CIPM) with support from PPQ PPRA.

The SAFARIS team used a likelihood of establishment model for avocado seed moth occurrence in the continental United States, that was developed by PPQ PPRA and NCSU CIPM, to support CAPS survey planning. The model predicts the suitability of an area for avocado seed moth occurrence based on the likelihood of favorable conditions for the insect occurring using tools and data within SAFARIS. The detailed method used in this assessment is described here.

Field surveys should take place during the avocado blossom and fruiting season. In California, Florida and Hawaii, fruit of different varieties can be found year-round. 

Trapping surveys are the approved method. Deploy traps throughout the survey area. 

Survey for Stenoma catenifer in avocado orchards and avocado packing and processing facilities. 

Trap Placement: 

Place traps near avocado trees when possible and hang within the edge of the tree canopy at a height of ~6 feet. Adjust trap height based on the height of the fruit bearing branches, if needed.

• The CAPS Avocado Seed Moth Screening Aid by Royals et al. (2016) provides identification info for S. catenifer and has photographs of similar moths.
• The Mississippi Moth Photographer's Group has images of Stenoma catenifer male genitalia.

Stenoma catenifer closely resembles other members of the Depressariidae family or moths from the superfamily Gelechioidea. Because of its small size, a trained Lepidopterist is required to screen and identify this moth. Refer to the Stenoma catenifer Screening Aid for more information and figures.

The moths most likely to be mistaken for S. catenifer are other members of the Depressariidae. Of these, Antaeotricha spp. are the most commonly encountered in surveys for S. catenifer in other countries. Antaeotricha spp. are present in the U.S. and can be distinguished from S. catenifer by their bright white wings with gray and black markings that resemble bird droppings. Some Antaeotricha spp. present in North America use Quercus (oak) as their larval hosts, but the hosts of many species are unknown.

Amorbia concavana (Tortricidae) is another moth that has been caught in surveys for S. catenifer and looks superficially similar. Amorbia concavana is of similar size to S. catenifer but can be distinguished by the scattered black scales in the front wings, that do not form a "C" shape at the distal part.This moth is widely present in the southernmost part of Florida and is a polyphagous insect that prefers plants within the Fabaceae family.

(See the Pest Datasheet for images)