About Cydia succedana (Denis & Schiffermüller), 1775
Cydia succedana, commonly known as the Gorse Pod Moth, is a moth species belonging to the family Tortricidae. It is native to Europe and has been introduced to New Zealand. This species has a wingspan measuring 11–16 mm. Its forewings feature an irregular white cross-band that usually does not reach the costal edge, along with some additional white costal spots and a pair of more or less blurry, silvery slashes at the apex. It is not possible to safely distinguish Cydia succedana from Cydia albipicta based on external appearance alone; clear differences between the two species can only be identified by examining their genitalia. The adult moth flies from April to September, with the exact flight period varying by location. The larvae of Cydia succedana feed on Ulex europaeus, Genista, Lotus, and Cytisus scoparius. In New Zealand, larvae of this species are used as a biological control agent for gorse, since they feed on gorse seeds.
