Variegated leafroller

Insect

Variegated leafroller

Platynota flavedana Clemens

Lepidoptera: Tortricidae

Distribution: P. flavedana: Southern parts of MI and NY to MA, and south to FL.

Photos

After a second flight, late summer feeding by larvae can cause pinhole or excavation damage.

After a second flight, late summer feeding by larvae can cause pinhole or excavation damage. Gus Howitt, MSU
C

P. flavedana: Adult is grayish magenta with dark brown bands on the middle and end of the forewing (A). Larvae are pale green with yellowish green heads (B).

  • Crops Affected: apples

    Damage

    Both species attack apple. Both overwinter as early stage larvae in the orchard ground cover, feeding in early spring on low growth under trees. Adults lay eggs on apple leaves in early summer; larvae feed on foliage until midsummer. After a second flight, larvae may feed on fruit in late summer causing pinhole or excavation damage (C).

    Management

    Generally a problem only in selected sites. Can be monitored using pheromone traps, but summer leaf inspection is recommended to determine severity. Economic infestations can be controlled by the use of selective (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis) or broad-spectrum insecticides.

    Similar Species

    Compare to Sparganothis fruitworm (Sparganothis sulfureana Clemens). Larvae of both species are pale green with yellowish-green, but in the Sparganothis fruitworm, the dorsal side is a darker green than the ventral side, and the thoracic shield is narrowly edged with dark brown; antennae are black, borne on a white socket.

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