Jack Pine Tube Moth – Argyrotaenia tabulana

Jack Pine Tube Moth – Argyrotaenia tabulana Common Name: Jack Pine Tube Moth Latin Name: Argyrotaenia tabulana Appearance: The adult moths have a wingspan of about 2 cm and are light brown with darker markings. The larvae are yellowish-green with a darker head and can grow up to 1.5 cm long.

• Egg:The eggs are laid singly on the needles of host trees and are about 0.5 mm in diameter.
• Pupae:The pupae are reddish-brown and about 1 cm long. They are usually found in the crevices of bark or leaf litter.
• Larva:The larvae have five instars and feed on the needles of host trees, rolling them up to form a protective tube. They can cause significant defoliation of host trees, particularly during outbreaks.
• Adults:The adults emerge in late summer and mate soon after. They do not feed and have a lifespan of only a few days.

Host plants: The Jack Pine Tube Moth primarily feeds on jack pine trees but can also infest other species of pine and spruce trees. Territory: The Jack Pine Tube Moth is found in Canada and the northern United States, primarily in the Great Lakes region. Damages caused by Jack Pine Tube Moth: The Jack Pine Tube Moth can cause significant damage to host trees, particularly during outbreaks. The larvae feed on the needles of host trees, causing defoliation and reduced growth. Heavy infestations can lead to tree mortality. Life history and Habits: The Jack Pine Tube Moth has a one-year life cycle. The adults emerge in late summer and mate soon after. The females lay their eggs on the needles of host trees, and the larvae hatch a few weeks later. The larvae feed on the hands and construct protective tubes around themselves. The pupae overwinter and emerge as adults the following summer. Infestations of the Jack Pine Tube Moth typically occur in cycles, with outbreaks occurring every 10-15 years.