Finding California Oakworm Moth in Local Berry Fields

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Just a real quick note here. Got a useful inquiry yesterday regarding the presence of the moth depicted below in a local berry field.

The moth in question is California oakworm, Phyrganidia californica, the larvae of which feed strictly on oaks. It is harmless to berries. It does seem though this year we have an exceptionally large number of them around and you may be finding them flying around the field or resting on plants, especially if your field is next to oaks.

Additionally, the California oakworm larva (depicted in picture # 2 below), although it would be rare to find one in a berry field, looks nothing like light brown apple moth or any other pestiferous larvae we would commonly expect in caneberries or strawberries.

California oakworm adult moths. These are harmless to berries.