Prays citri (hereinafter referred to as "this species") is a species of moth belonging to the family Tylenidae in the order Lepidoptera, and is an important pest found in the Citrus genus of the Mediterranean region. It is also distributed in several African countries (CABI, 2025a). The larvae damage the outside and inside of buds or flowers, and buds or flowers damaged by the larvae wilt and fall off rapidly (EFSA, 2008; Moore and Kirkman, 2014). The larvae may also damage young fruits, in which case the larvae die before they can fully develop (Fazekas, 2022; Moore and Kirkman, 2014). Small feeding marks on Citrus fruits caused by larval damage develop necrotic spots, leading to a decline in quality (Fazekas, 2022; Moore and Kirkman, 2014). In Japan, this species is classified as a "harmful animal that has not been confirmed to pose no risk of damaging useful plants if it spreads," and if discovered during import inspections, it must be disinfected or disposed of (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, 1950a, b, c; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 2011).
This study conducted a pest and disease risk analysis to clarify the plant quarantine status of this species and to consider appropriate risk management measures.

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