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Native to North America, this solitary leaf roller is considered to be one of the most destructive insects attacking oak in northeastern North America. Although its preferred host is red oak, it will also attack other species in the same genus, particularly white, pin, and black oak. It is found from Ontario to the Maritimes. The larvae of this insect cause damage at two stages of leaf development. Newly emerged larvae will begin feeding on newly opening buds, resulting in leaves that open full of holes. Even after the leaf has opened, they continue to feed from within a "roll" produced by a little silk web attaching the edge of the blade to a main leaf rib. Although this insect can cause significant defoliation, which ultimately will affect annual growth, no significant tree mortality has been attributed to it.

Points of interest

• one generation per year and overwinters in the egg stage
• this insect is not found in Newfoundland because there are no oak trees
• the feeding results in leaves with a shredded appearance
• first outbreak in Canada was reported in 1944
• average of mature larval or full-grown length is 18 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.

Prebble, M.L. 1975. Aerial Control of Forest Insects in Canada. Department of the Environment, Ottawa. 330 p. + xii.

Rose, A.H.; Lindquist, O.H. 1997. Insects of Eastern Hardwood Trees. Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Ottawa. Revised edition. For. Tech. Rep. 29. 304 p.