Hollyhock Leaf Skeletonizer – Bucculatrix thurnberiella

Hollyhock Leaf Skeletonizer – Bucculatrix thurnberiella Common Name: Hollyhock Leaf Skeletonizer Latin Name: Bucculatrix thurberiella Appearance: The adult Hollyhock Leaf Skeletonizer is a small moth with a wingspan of about 1 cm. The forewings are gray-brown with darker markings, and the hindwings are light gray. The larvae are tiny and green with black spots. Egg: The eggs are small and round, initially greenish-yellow, but later turn pinkish-brown. Pupa: The pupa is a light brown color and is about 5 mm in length. Larva: The larvae of the Hollyhock Leaf Skeletonizer are tiny and green with black spots. They have black heads and a black mark on the top of each body segment. When fully grown, the larvae are about 6 mm long. Adults: The adult Hollyhock Leaf Skeletonizer is a small moth with a wingspan of about 1 cm. The forewings are gray-brown with darker markings, and the hindwings are light gray. Host plant: The Hollyhock Leaf Skeletonizer feeds primarily on hollyhock plants. Territory: The Hollyhock Leaf Skeletonizer is found in North America, primarily in the eastern and central regions. Damages caused by Hollyhock Leaf Skeletonizer: The Hollyhock Leaf Skeletonizer larvae feed on the leaves of hollyhock plants, creating a lacy or skeletonized appearance. This can cause significant damage to the plant and can impact its growth and health. Life history and Habits: The Hollyhock Leaf Skeletonizer undergoes complete metamorphosis, with four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The eggs are laid on the undersides of hollyhock leaves, and the larvae hatch and begin feeding on the leaves. As the larvae feed, they create a lacy or skeletonized appearance on the leaves. After several molts, the larvae pupate and eventually emerge as adult moths. The adult moths mate and lay eggs, starting the cycle again. The Hollyhock Leaf Skeletonizer is active from May to August, with one generation per year. It is primarily nocturnal and is attracted to light.