Leaf crumpler (Acrobasis indigenella)
Mineola moth (Acrobasis tricolorella)
Pest description and crop damage The leaf crumpler is a pest of a wide range of rosaceous plants, including native species like crabapple, ornamentals such as pyracantha and most tree fruits. The adult moth is light brown with a white patch on each wing and several black lines. Mature larvae are pinkish and about 0.5 inch long. The larvae construct tubes that are attached to twigs of host plants, feeding on developing leaves. They also feed on buds. Second generation larvae burrow into cherries and prunes.
Biology and life history Partially grown brown larvae overwinter in hibernacula (cocoons) on trees. Larvae resume feeding in the spring and leave their nest at night to bring back leaf fragments. Pupation occurs in late spring, and the adults lay eggs on leaves in early June. The majority of feeding for this generation occurs in June and July. The second-generation adults appear in August and lay eggs for the overwintering generation of larvae. In cool areas only a single generation may be produced.
Pest monitoring Look for larvae in nests of webbed-together leaves in the spring.
Management-chemical control: HOME USE
There are no products specifically registered for control of these pests.
Management-chemical control: COMMERCIAL USE
Insecticides applied for fruittree leafroller also control leaf crumpler and mineola moth.