Merrifieldia tridactyla

Description

Merrifieldia tridactyla is a moth of the family Pterophoridae. It is known from most of Europe, as well as North Africa and Asia Minor. The wingspan is 18–23 millimetres (0.71–0.91 in). Adults are on wing from June to July in western Europe. The larvae feed on Thymus species (including Thymus serpyllum and Thymus vulgaris) and Mentha species in Europe. In Saudi Arabia, larvae have been recorded feeding on the fruits of Cucurbita moschata. The young larvae nibble the fruit skin, but older larvae eat large areas in the fruit, causing discoloration and surface dryness. Pupation usually takes place on the upper-surface of the leaf.