Western False Hemlock Looper
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Hagle, S.K; S. Tunnock; K.E. Gibson; and C.J. Gilligan. 1987. Field Guide to Diseases and Insect Pests of Idaho and Montana Forests. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. State and Private Forestry, Northern Region. Missoula, Montana. Reprint 1990. Publication Number R1-89-54.
Contents |
Hosts
Douglas-fir.
Distribution
May be found throughout host range.
Damage
Young larvae feed on underside of new foliage causing needles to shrivel and die. Later in season, older needles are fed upon. Larvae are capable of stripping foliage from the upper half of trees in one season.
Identification
Look for "inch worm" larvae on foliage from June into August. Mature larvae are about 1 inch long, a deep tan color. They can be distinguished by a yellow, broad ventral stripe bordered by several darker stripes (fig. 101), as compared to western hemlock looper larvae which have diamond-shaped markings (fig. 102). Naked pupae can be seen on foliage in August. Pupae are about five-eighths inch long, and vary from yellow-green to bright green with black and yellow markings. Moths are mottled gray and black with a 1-inch wingspan (fig. 103). Females lay their overwintering eggs in clusters on needles.
Similar damages
Defoliation similar to western spruce budworm, western hemlock looper, and Douglas-fir tussock moth damage. Larvae are very distinct, however.
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.
