Description
    The walnut shoot moth is closely related to the pecan leaf casebearer, also an insect pest on black walnut. They are nearly identical in appearance but habits differ and serve to differentiate the two species.

    Larvae of the walnut shoot moth are drab, olive-green with a black head capsule. They reach a length up to 3/4 inch. Adult moths are gray-brown with a small white patch on each front wing.

    Newly hatched larvae overwinter in protective cases near the base of the terminal bud. In early spring each larva leaves its overwintering case and bores into the still unexpanded bud. Evidence of attack is indicated by a small pile of excrement and webbing deposited near the entrance hole.

Injury
    Many terminal and lateral buds are killed, causing multiple forks and crooks in the main stem. If the attacked bud is not killed immediately, the stem of the expanding leaf is usually hollowed out and subject to breakage during high winds.

Control
    Contact your county extension agent for recommended controls.