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Probably the most serious pest of its genus, this introduced species occurs throughout eastern North America. In western Canada, it occurs at the southern end of British Columbia. Red pine and Scots pine are the preferred hosts, but all species of pines can be affected. Damage from this insect is due solely to the larva as it passes through several stages during its larval development. It begins by mining the leaf during its first 2 larval instars, then emerges from its tunnel to feed on opening buds. It then hibernates by boring into the shoots and emerges the following spring to continue feeding on an expanding bud or shoot. It is this latter feeding stage that results in the most noticeable damage. Repeated damage to the terminal buds causes stem deformities thus reducing the aesthetic value of the tree. Damage caused in the spring is generally permanent.

  Points of interest

• one generation per year
• larvae attack most two- and three-needle pines preferring red, mugho, and Scots pine
• certain species such as pitch, Virginia, and white pine are relatively resistant
• first reported in Canada in 1925 in Nova Scotia and Ontario
• winter climate plays a significant role in controlling this insect because it overwinters in the larval stage
• average of mature larval or full-grown length is 15 mm

References

Martineau, R. 1984. Insects Harmful to Forest Trees. Multiscience Publications Ltd., Montreal, Environment Canada, Canadian Forestry Service, Ottawa, and Supply and Services Canada, Canadian Government Publishing Centre, Ottawa. For. Tech. Rep. 32. 261 p. + x.

Rose, A.H.; Lindquist, O.H.; Nystrom, K.L. 1999. Insects of Eastern Pines. Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Ottawa. Revised edition. Publ. 1313. 128 p.