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OAK LEAFROLLER / LEAFTIER
OAK LEAFROLLER larvae.
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| Other |
Leaf roller moths |
| Species |
Archips spp.
Croesia spp. (and others) |
| Common Hosts: |
Laurel oak Quercus laurifolia
Live oak Quercus virginiana
Water oak Quercus nigra
Other hardwoods |
Description |
Adult -- all yellow to light tan head and body; front pair of wings with dark brown markings or cross-bands; wings form a bell-shape when folded; wingspan 12-25 mm.
Pupa -- similar to adult; dark brown in a flimsy silk cocoon.
Larva -- size variable, approximately 12-30 mm long when mature; head pale to dark brown, body dirty white to various shades of green. |
Importance |
Widespread and severe defoliation occur infrequently. Larvae create a public nuisance due to their habit of dropping down from trees on a silk thread. The combination of consecutive years of severe defoliation plus other stress factors may result in tree mortality. |
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Eggs hatch in early spring, closely timed to oak leaf expansion. The larvae tie or roll leaves together with silk; remain inside when not out feeding. Pupation occurs in flimsy silk cocoons between leaves or in leaf litter on the ground. The adult moths emerge by midsummer, mate, and the females lay their eggs in bark crevices. Overwinter as eggs. |
| Number of Generations |
1 generation per year. |
Signs
of Infestation |
Loss of foliage. Greenish caterpillars hanging from silk strands at eyeball level. Common in areas with a dense oak canopy, for example, ferneries. Abundant small yellowish moths fluttering around underbrush. Foliage tied or rolled with silk webbing; caterpillars inside when not out feeding. Crown thinning or branch dieback. |
Control |
- Natural control factors (predators, parasites, and diseases) usually keep leafroller populations at low levels. Outbreaks do occur, but generally decline within 2-3 years. Promote tree vigor and health to aid in the recovery from defoliation. Use an approved insecticide for high-value trees or where caterpillar populations are especially damaging.
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Bulletin No. 196-A | Printed October, 1983 | Contact the
Forest Health Section 
