Larch Casebearer – Coleophora laricella

Larch Casebearer – Coleophora laricella Common Name: Larch Casebearer Latin Name: Coleophora laricella Appearance: The Larch Casebearer is a small moth with a wingspan of about 13-15 mm. The forewings are dark brown with lighter patches, and the hindwings are pale gray.

• Egg:The Larch Casebearer lays its eggs on the needles of larch trees.
• Pupae:The Larch Casebearer pupates inside a protective case made of silk and bits of plant material.
• Larva:The Larch Casebearer larvae are responsible for causing damage to larch trees. They are yellow-green and spin silken webs around the needles. The larvae then feed on the hands inside the net, causing them to turn brown and die.
• Adults:The adult Larch Casebearer is a small moth that emerges in late May to early June.

Host plants: The Larch Casebearer feeds on various larch species, including Tamarack, Larix laricina, and European Larch, Larix decidua. Territory: The Larch Casebearer is found throughout North America and Europe. Damages caused by Larch Casebearer: The Larch Casebearer causes damage to larch trees by feeding on the needles and spinning webs around them. Infestations can cause defoliation and stunted growth in the trees. Life history and Habits: The Larch Casebearer has one generation per year. Adults emerge in late May to early June and lay their eggs on the needles of larch trees. The larvae hatch and spin silken webs around the needles, causing them to turn brown and die. The larvae then pupate inside their protective cases and emerge as adults, starting the life cycle over again. Control measures include pruning infested branches, using insecticides, or introducing natural predators such as parasitic wasps.