Lilac (Syringa)-Lilac leafminer

Caloptilia syringella

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Pest description and crop damage Adult is a small, brownish moth. Greenish larvae mine and roll leaves down at tips. Leaf mining results in large, brown blotches. Ligustrum, Deutzia, Euonymus, Sorbus, and Fraxinus also may be attacked.

Biology and life history The insect overwinters as a pupa or larva, often in the mined leaf. The adult moth is found throughout the summer months. Eggs are laid along the midrib and other veins of the leaf. The larvae hatch and commence mining the leaves. There are several generations per year.

Management-chemical control

Be sure to wet undersides of leaves as well as tops. Spray all leaves to the dripping point. Repeat as necessary. Spray when blotch mines first are noticed or at least before leaves fall.

Management-chemical control

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For more information

Johnson, W.T. and H.H. Lyon (1991), Insects That Feed on Trees and Shrubs, 2nd ed., Cornell University Press (p. 196).