Forest Invasive Alien Species
www.exoticpests.gc.ca
Established Insects
- Ambermarked birch leafminer
- Balsam woolly adelgid
- Beech scale
- Birch casebearer
- Birch leafminer
- Black stem borer
- Common pine shoot beetle
- Eastern spruce gall adelgid
- Elm leaf beetle
- European pine sawfly
- European pine shoot moth
- European pineneedle midge
- European spruce sawfly
- Gypsy moth
- Introduced pine sawfly
- Larch casebearer
- Larch sawfly
- Lombardy leafminer
- Mountain ash sawfly
- Pear thrips
- Rusty tussock moth
- Smaller European elm bark beetle
- Winter moth
European pine shoot moth
Larva inside its gallery
Adult(s)
Flushed out of damaged shoot
Mature pine showing a lyra-shaped stem due to attack at juvenile phase
Typical shoot moth damage on new shoots
Bud damage
Pupa emergent from tip of shoot ready to emerge as adult
Taxonomy
Description
Distribution Map
Main host(s)
Mugho pine, ponderosa pine, red pine, scots pine
Diet and feeding behavior
Phytophagous / Xylophagous / Borer
Micro-habitat(s)
Annual shoot, Bud
Distribution
Canada
Damage, symptoms and biology
The larvae of European pine shoot moths dig tunnels into the buds and young shoots of a variety of pines, resulting in stem deformation (which can be severe) and retarded growth. However, afflicted trees rarely die as a result. The eggs are laid separately at the base of current-year needles or on buds. As soon as they hatch in June, the young larvae establish themselves on the needles and weave a silk-like shelter for themselves where they start to feed by boring inside the needle. The result is a visible browning of the foliage. They then attack and scoop out freshly opened buds (they can migrate from bud to bud), and later penetrate inside the shoots where they dig tunnels and overwinter. The following spring, they renew their attacks on buds and new shoots, which is when they cause the worst damage. Signs of an infestation by these insects include dry, twisted needles at the ends of twigs, accumulations of resin around buds, as well as withered buds. Infestations stunt the growth of shoots, resulting in their deformation and the emergence of numerous adventitious buds. Severely damaged trees resemble bushes decorated with a scattering of witches’ brooms.
Comments
European pine shoot moths prefer to attack young trees in plantations (less than 15 years) and trees grown for ornamental purposes. If not controlled, they can destroy new plantations of red pine, their preferred species in North America. However, they attack other pine species, such as Scots pine, ponderosa pine, and mugho pine, an ornamental species.
Prompt detection of the insects is important because their spread can then be limited by cutting and burning infected shoots. Until recently, attempts to control the insects through the use of introduced parasites have not been as successful as hoped. A contact insecticide has had to be used in severe cases.
Prompt detection of the insects is important because their spread can then be limited by cutting and burning infected shoots. Until recently, attempts to control the insects through the use of introduced parasites have not been as successful as hoped. A contact insecticide has had to be used in severe cases.
