|
PINE TIP MOTHS
Branch tip damaged by the Nantucket PINE TIP MOTH. |
Other: |
1. Nantucket Pine Tip Moth
2. Subtropical Pine Tip Moth
|
| Species |
1. Rhyacionia frustrana
2. Rhyacionia subtropica |
| Common Hosts: |
Japanese black pine Pinus thunbergiana
Loblolly
pine Pinus taeda
Pond pine Pinus serotina
Sand pine Pinus clausa
Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata
Slash pine Pinus elliottii
Spruce pine Pinus glabra
Virginia pine Pinus virginiana |
Description |
Adult - gray head and body; front pair of wings with irregular patches of red, copper, and gray bands; wingspan approximately 13 mm
Pupa - size of adult; light to dark brown
Larva - size variable, approximately 9 mm long mature; head and body light brown to dark orange |
| Importance: |
Severe damage can occur in young natural and planted stands, especially those growing offsite. Growth loss and stem deformity can be considerable, however, infestation rates usually decline as trees reach 3 m in height or crowns grow together. |
| Biology and Habits: |
Adult moths emerge from infested branches in the early spring, mate, and females lay eggs on the foliage or buds. The larvae first gouge needles when feeding, then bore into branch tips. Pupation occurs inside the damaged area; overwinter as pupae. |
Number
of Generations |
4 to 5 generations per year. |
Signs
of Infestation |
Foliage discoloration.
Dead or dying branch tips.
Resin beads or flakes and fine silk webbing on branch tips |
Similar
Damage |
REPRODUCTION WEEVILS: small patches of bark removed from the branches. |
Control |
Natural enemies, especially insect parasites, and crown closure will lower infestation rates as the stand matures. Plant the best pine species for the site to reduce stress on the trees. Consider planting longleaf pine if the site is appropriate. Longleaf pine is not attacked by the pine tip moths. Prune out infested tips if handwork is feasible. Use an approved insecticide for severe damage in high-value stands or shade trees. An attractant-baited (pheromone) trap is available to determine when moths are present. A chart, based on the number of moths caught, will aid in determining the best time for insecticide application. |
Bulletin No. 196-A | Printed October, 1983 | Contact the
Forest Health Section 
