A Pine Looper
From Bugwoodwiki
Contents |
Hosts
Ponderosa pine.
Distribution
Found throughout much of its host's range.
Damage
Larvae feed on both old and new needles. Needles are often eaten down to the sheath. Trees of all sizes are attacked and mortality results if all the foliage is stripped. Weakened trees are often attacked by bark beetles.
Identification
Look for "inch worm" type larvae on needles from late June to September. The first two instars have smooth bodies and are light brown with yellow stripes along the sides. Instars III through V have varying shades of brown without stripes and have numerous tubercles the length of the body. They resemble pine twigs (fig. 135). Mature larvae are up to 1-1/2 inches long. Dark brown pupae may be found in the duff from September to June. Adults, appearing in early summer, are mottled gray-brown with zigzag markings on wings and wingspan of up to 2 inches. Eggs are laid in clusters on the needles and stems in early July.
Similar damages
Pine tussock moth damage is similar in the looper's range, but the larvae of the two pests are easily distinguished.
References
Anonymous. 1982. For. Insect & disease identification and management. USDA For. Serv.,Northern Region; Idaho Dept. of Lands, Insect and Disease Control; Montana Dept. of State Lands, Division of Forestry. 192 p.
Furniss, R. L., and V. M. Carolin. 1977. Western For. Insects. USDA Forest Serv., Misc. pub. 1339, 654 p., illus. 8
Field Guide to Diseases and Insect Pests of Idaho and Montana Forests, USDA Forest Service Northern Region, Publication Number R1-89-54
