Choreutis pariana
Pest description and crop damage The adult moth is reddish brown, with a wingspread less than 0.5 inch, and irregular light and dark bands on the wings. Larvae are 0.5 inch long, yellowish to greenish, with black spots and a yellow-brown head. Pupae are yellow to brown with a white silken cocoon. The larvae skeletonize and roll leaves. They feed on apple, crabapple, cherry, and hawthorn.
Biology and life history Adult moths overwinter in crevices in the tree. They lay eggs in small bunches on the undersides of leaves. The larvae emerge and feed on the underside of the leaves, then move to the top surface and feed there, often tying the sides together creating a "rolled" effect. After 3 to 4 weeks, larvae pupate in the rolled leaf. Adults emerge about two weeks later to start a new generation. There are at least two generations per year.
Pest monitoring Watch for signs of skeletonizing, which from a distance looks like the leaf tips have been burned.
Management-biological control
There are many natural enemies of this pest. Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides that would disrupt this system.
Management-cultural control
Hand remove larvae and pupae from rolled leaves. Prune out heavily infested twigs.
Management-chemical control: HOME USE
There are no products registered for control of this pest.