United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Northeastern Area NA-FB/P-22

Larva in dissected shoot.

Forking and crooking of the main stem.

The red pine shoot moth recently caused significant damage to red pine plantations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Trees of all ages have been attacked, but the most severe damage has occurred in 20-40 year old plantations growing on sandy soils.

Larvae feed in the shoots from late May into June when they transform to pupae. Adults emerge in late July and August, mate and deposit eggs beneath the bark scales; the eggs hatch and the tiny larvae spin silk hibernacula (cocoons) where they overwinter.

John Hainze, Univ. of WI
David Hall, WI DNR
Madison, WI

LOOK FOR:

Browning of the terminals. (June and July)	Flattened, stagheaded appearance of trees.