Damage caused by the flax tortrix moth on field crops

The flax tortrix moth caterpillar can damage crops including lettuce, peas and sugar beet.

Scientific name: Cnephasia asseclana

The caterpillar of the flax tortrix moth ties together the upper leaves of pea plants with a fine web and feeds within the bunched leaves.

Damage shows in spring, just before flowering, but is not severe and will not cause yield loss. By harvest, caterpillars pupate and moths leave the crop.

Therefore, control is unnecessary.