Spring Cankerworm (Paleacrita vernata)

From Bugwoodwiki

Solomon, J.D.; Leininger, T.D.; Wilson, A.D.; Anderson, R.L.; Thompson, L.C.; McCracken, F.I. 1993. Ash pests: A guide to major insects, diseases, air pollution injury and chemical injury. Gen. Tech. Rep. SO-96. New Orleans, LA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station. 45 p.

Pest

Spring cankerworm, Paleacrita vernata (Peck); caterpillars are typical loopers; brown to black with yellow stripe; occur in the Eastern United States and southern Canada; 25 to 48 mm long; produce one generation per year.

Injury

In the spring, young larvae eat holes in the leaves; later the whole leaf is eaten except for the midrib and major veins; defoliation stresses the trees.

Prevention and Control

Sticky bands around tree trunks will trap the wingless females; chemical or biological controls are occasionally needed.