Wood leopard moths

They primarily attack deciduous fruit trees and ornamental shrubs. Key host plants include various species of the Rosaceae family, such as apples, pears, and cherries, alongside hardwood trees like ash, willow, and elm, which are common in both gardens and forestry.

The life cycle of these pests typically spans one to two years depending on the climate. Adult females lay eggs in bark crevices. Upon hatching, the larvae bore directly into the twigs and branches, tunneling through the xylem and phloem, which disrupts the nutrient flow of the tree.

Damage is characterized by sawdust and reddish-brown frass accumulating at the entrance of the tunnels. As the larvae grow, the tunnels expand, leading to branch dieback, increased susceptibility to secondary infections, and potential breakage of wood structures during windstorms.

Effective management requires a combination of cultural and chemical strategies. Key methods include:

• Pruning and burning heavily infested branches.
• Using pheromone traps for seasonal monitoring.
• Injecting systemic insecticides into larval galleries.
• Applying foliar sprays during the hatching period to target young larvae.