PestHigh Severity

Winter Moth (Operophtera brumata)

Operophtera brumata

An introduced European moth whose larvae are pale green caterpillars or loopers with two pairs of prolegs and white stripes. Often misidentified as cankerworms. Female moths are gray and cannot fly (brachypterous), while males can fly and are attracted to lights.

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Winter moth larva showing characteristic pale green color with white stripes

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Newly hatched larvae crawling up tree trunks
Feeding within flower and leaf buds, completely destroying them
Small larvae clustering in new leaves
Extensive feeding in flower buds reducing flowering and fruit production
Defoliation when larvae move to feed at night
Mortality high for plants defoliated two or more consecutive years

Potential Damage

Complete destruction of flower and leaf buds
Severe defoliation of host plants
Greatly reduced flowering and fruit production
Tree mortality from repeated defoliation
Extensive damage during cool wet springs
Economic impact on fruit and seed production

Lifecycle

Moths emerge from soil in late fall (October-February)Adults active until January in temperate areasFemales deposit green egg clusters in bark crevicesEggs turn orange within 3-4 weeks, then very dark before hatchEgg hatch synchronized with bud burst (March-April)Larvae disperse by ballooning on silken strandsLarvae feed primarily at night as they mature

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Monitor for egg masses during winter months

2

Apply trunk bands to prevent larval climbing

3

Insecticide applications timed with larval emergence

4

Biological control with introduced parasites

5

Remove egg masses when found during dormant season

6

Maintain plant health to resist defoliation damage

Recommended Mauget Products

Imicide

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against winter moth (operophtera brumata).

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Dinocide

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against winter moth (operophtera brumata).

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