A tortricid moth of Cydia sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) boring into thorns of Gleditsia japonica Miq. (Fabaceae) in Japan

Plants defend themselves using various physical structures, including spines and thorns. However, some herbivorous insects can make use of defensive structures as food sources. A tortricid moth larva in the genus Cydia bores into thorns of the endangered Japanese honey locust Gleditsia japonica. The larva may escape predation by using the thorns as protection. A survey of sharp plant structures was proposed.