Spruce needleworm, Paler dolichomia moth
- Scientific name: Dolichomia thymetusalis (Walker)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Pyralidae
Distribution
- Canada
Damage, symptoms and biology
The spruce needleworm is a rather uncommon innocuous solitary defoliator.Mature larva up to 20 mm long. Head, black unmarked. Body, tan with dark brown middorsal, subdorsal and spiracular stripes.
This species overwinters in the pupal stage. Adults emerge in May; larvae are present from June to August and pupation occurs in August.
Canadian Forest Service Publications
Spruce needleworm, Paler dolichomia moth
Diet and feeding behaviour
-
Phyllophagous:
Feeds on the leaves of plants.
- Free-living defoliator: Feeds on and moves about freely on foliage.
Information on host(s)
Spruce needleworm is restricted to spruce, including Engelmann spruce and white spruce.Main host(s)
Photos
Robert W. Duncan Centre de foresterie du Pacifique, Victoria (Colombie-Britannique) / Pacific Forestry Centre, Victoria, British Columbia
Robert W. Duncan Centre de foresterie du Pacifique, Victoria (Colombie-Britannique) / Pacific Forestry Centre, Victoria, British Columbia
Robert W. Duncan Centre de foresterie du Pacifique, Victoria (Colombie-Britannique) / Pacific Forestry Centre, Victoria, British Columbia