Currant moth (Abraxas grossulariata) larvae on leaves of a redcurrant bush. The Currant moth is a very common and widespread pest of cultivated currants and gooseberries, causing complete defoliation of the plant if not controlled. Their natural food plants include hawthorn, blackthorn, and in Northern regions, heather. The larvae feed openly, are conspicuous, and although their bright colouration makes them easy to spot, it also serves to warn predators that it they are unpleasant to eat.