Leafrollers are a group of moth larvae that attack a variety of plants, including fruit and ornamental trees, by rolling leaves into protective shelters where they feed. They are widespread throughout North America and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. Some common species include the obliquebanded leafroller (Choristoneura rosaceana) and the fruittree leafroller (Archips argyrospila).
These leafrollers can feed on several plants in the Rosaceae family and many other species, causing damage that can impact fruit production or the overall health of the plant. For example, the fruittree leafroller is known to affect deciduous and live oaks, as well as other ornamental trees such as ash or maple. By understanding their biology and habits, gardeners and farmers can take appropriate measures to prevent and control leafroller infestations.
Leafroller Identification
Leafroller Species
There are several species of leafrollers that can be harmful to plants, including:
- Fruittree leafroller (Archips argyrospila)
- Obliquebanded leafroller (Choristoneura rosaceana)
- Pandemis leafroller (Pandemis species)
- European leafroller (Archips rosanus)
Each species has its unique characteristics and impact on plants but share some common traits in their life stages.
Larvae
The larval stage of leafrollers is considered the most destructive. Larvae are typically:
- Green or pale green in color
- Slender in shape
- Varying in length, depending on the species
For example, the larvae of the obliquebanded leafroller can grow up to 1 inch long.
Pupae
Leafroller pupae generally share the following characteristics:
- Found within rolled leaves or other protected areas
- Develop in spring or late summer, depending on the generation
Adult Moths
Adult leafroller moths have some common traits across species:
- Brown or dark-colored wings
- Proportional sizes based on larval stage lengths
- Distinct wing patterns
| Species | Wing Pattern |
|---|---|
| Fruittree leafroller | Thin light markings in various patterns across the front wings |
| Obliquebanded | Bands darker than the rest of the wing on the leading and trailing edges |
| Pandemis leafroller | Similar to obliquebanded, but leading and trailing edges of bands are lighter |
| European leafroller | Lighter brown than other species, pronounced forewing markings |
These identifying features can help you determine the leafroller species affecting your plants and take appropriate control measures.
Life Cycle and Feeding Habits
Egg Development and Hatching
Pandemis and oblique-banded leafrollers lay eggs in masses on the upper surface of leaves. Hatchlings emerge once temperature and humidity conditions become favorable:
- Masses contain 50 to 300 eggs
- Eggs hatch in approximately 7 to 14 days, depending on environmental factors1
Feeding on Leaves and Fruits
Young larvae prefer to feed on new foliage, while older larvae also target fruits in various stages of development. Their impact varies depending on tree size and type:
- Large trees may have 2 to 10 times more larvae in the upper half than the lower half2
- Spur varieties often experience more concentrated feeding damage3
Overall, different tree types and feeding habits affect the distribution of leafroller larvae and the extent of the damage they cause.
Footnotes
3 Comments. Leave new
Well they are dropping in south Florida right now. They are everywhere!
We just posted a report from Texas of a completely different caterpillar, in our estimation a Spanworm in the family Geometridae, that is also appearing in large numbers and dropping from trees.
These are everywhere all over my house my shrubs { their eating } I don’t care what they are what kills them- I have 4 different types coming out of the oak trees.