INSECTS of...Hardwood Branch and Stem

Common Name:	CLEARWING MOTHS Entrance to gallery of a CLEARWING MOTH in a willow tree.
Species	Paranthrene spp. Synanthedon spp.
Common Hosts:	Cottonwood Populus spp. Elm Ulmus spp. Oaks Quercus spp. Willows Salix spp. Others
Description	Adult -- varied sizes, shapes, and colors; wasp-like in appearance; yellow, black, dark blue common colors; wingspan approximately 25-40 mm. Larva -- size variable, approximately 20-30 mm long when mature; coloration variable: white to purplish gray.
Importance	Severe infestations can decrease the rate of growth and alter the form of ornamental and shade trees. Entrance holes in stem provide entry to decay pathogens.
Signs of Infestation	Foliage discoloration and/or wilt. Branch dieback. Sapstaining of bark and fine frass caught on branches, trunk, and at base of tree. Frass may also have a granular appearance. Round entrance holes (approximately 4-15 mm wide) in bark.
Control	Identify and remove highly susceptible trees. Minimize injuries to trees. Use a stiff wire to probe and stab larvae in galleries underneath the bark. Use an approved insecticide for high-value trees or those exhibiting severe damage levels. Gallery fumigation is enhanced by typically short, frass-clear galleries.

Bulletin No. 196-A | Printed October, 1983 | Contact the Forest Health Section

CLEARWING MOTHS