Taxonomy

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Subphylum	Hexapoda
Class	Insecta
Subclass	Pterygota
Infraclass	Neoptera
Superorder	Holometabola
Order	Lepidoptera
Family	Coleophoridae
Subfamily	Coleophorinae
Genus	Coleophora

Scientific Name

Coleophora laticornella

Common Name

pecan cigar casebearer

Author: H. C. Ellis, Extension Entomologist

Description

Adults are small, brownish moths with a wingspan of about one-half inch (25 mm). They usually are not noticed. Larvae live in a light-brown case resembling a small, one-fourth inch long cigar. The cigar-shaped cases may be attached to the twigs or leaflets (Figure 20).

Damage

Larvae first feed as leafminers and later feed on buds and foliage, causing numerous tiny holes in the leaves.

Seasonal History

The pecan cigar casebearer overwinters as a larva in a light-brown, cigar-like case attached to a twig or limb. As pecan buds open, they become active and feed on the buds and foliage until mid-May, producing many tiny holes in the foliage. Larvae pupate within the cigar-shaped cases. Moths normally appear in early June and lay their eggs on the leaves. Larvae first feed as leafminers, but later in the season, they construct the small cases in which they feed until foliage drop. Larvae then migrate to the twigs or larger limbs and attach their cases. There may be several generations during the season.

When to Control

Sprays applied for control of other pecan pests will usually suppress the pecan cigar casebearer.