Pine tip moths

Pine shoot moths or pine tip moths are a group of moths in the family Tortricidae, subfamily Olethreutinae, formerly all included in a wider circumscription of the genus Evetria but now treated in a number of distinct genera. The larvae feed internally in the buds and young shoots of pines Pinus. The adults are small to medium-sized moths, with a wingspan of 9-35 mm.

Selected genera and species

• Rhyacionia
  • Rhyacionia buoliana
  • Rhyacionia frustrana
  • Rhyacionia logaea
  • Rhyacionia pinicolana
  • Rhyacionia pinivorana
  • Rhyacionia rigidana
• Blastethia
  • Blastethia posticana
  • Blastethia turionella
• Petrova
  • Petrova resinella
• Clavigesta
  • Clavigesta purdeyi
  • Clavigesta sylvestrana

Damage

Pine shoot moths cause injury to pines by the larvae tunneling in new growth, buds and shoots. Infested twigs die, resulting in loss of main-stem terminals, poor tree shape, and poor tree growth.

See also Pine tip moths in Georgia, USA.

References

• Ellis, H. C. Pine tip moths in Georgia.
• Scott, T. M. (1972). The Pine Shoot Moth and Related Species. Forestry Commission Forest Record 83. HMSO, London.