Pine Tube Moth – Argyrotaenia pinatubana

Pine Tube Moth (Argyrotaenia pinatubana): Common Name: Pine Tube Moth Latin Name: Argyrotaenia pinatubana Appearance: The Pine Tube Moth is a small moth species. The adults’ wings are about 1.5 cm long and are brownish-grey with light spots. The caterpillars, or larvae, are usually a pale green, but this can change. Host Plants:  The Pine Tube Moth primarily infests various species of pine trees, including but not limited to lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). Territory: They usually live in western North America, especially where many pine trees are their host plants. Damage done by the Pine Tube Moth:  Pine Tube Moth damage: The larvae of the Pine Tube Moth make tubes out of silk and plant matter that they use as shelters. They eat the leaves and new shoots of host pine trees. This food can slow the tree’s growth, change the color of its needles, and, in the worst cases, even cause it to fall over. Life History and Habits:

• Egg Stage:When they are eggs, the female Pine Tube Moth puts them on the leaves or buds of host pine trees. The eggs are small and pale.
• Larval Stage:Once they hatch, the larvae make unusual silk tubes to keep themselves safe. These tubes are where they live and eat needles and young shoots.
• Pupal Stage:The larvae pupate inside their silk tubes when fully grown.
• Adult Stag:Pine Tube Moth adults come out of their pupae. They are primarily interested in having babies. To start a new generation, the females lay eggs on host plants.

The Pine Tube Moth (Argyrotaenia pinatubana) has a life cycle with four stages. The female starts the process by laying small, pale eggs on pine needles or buds. As soon as they hatch, the larvae make unique silk tubes to keep themselves safe while they eat needles and young shoots. They pupate inside these tubes when they are fully grown. From these pupae come adult moths that are focused on having babies. A new generation starts when the females lay eggs on host plants.