Fruit Tree Leafroller(Archips argyrospila)Common Name: Fruit Tree Leafroller
Latin Name: Archips argyrospila
Appearance:
Fruit tree leafrollers are small, light-brown moths with a wingspan of about 1 inch. They have distinctive, broad, white bands across their wings and are active daily fliers.
The life cycle of a leafroller has four stages: egg, larva (or caterpillar), pupa, and adult (or moth).
On smooth surfaces, adults deposit eggs in uneven, flat clumps. Its egg mass is often laid on twigs or smaller branches by fruit tree leafrollers.
The bulk is initially covered in a dark grey or brown “cement,” which eventually becomes white. In the spring, pinholes appear in the covering when the larvae hatch and exit through it.
The eggs of omnivorous and oblique-banded leafrollers can occasionally be found on weeds, leaves, or twigs. Most leafrollers deposit their eggs in rows that overlap, like fish scales.
Host Plants:
This pest attacks a wide range of fruit trees, such as apples, cherries, peaches, plums, and apricots. It also attacks other plants, including blueberries, blackberries, and roses.
Territory:
Fruit tree leafrollers are found in many countries, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are widely distributed and can be found in gardens, orchards, and other areas where fruit trees are grown.
Damages Caused by Fruit Tree Leafroller:
Fruit tree leafrollers feed on young shoots and leaves, causing damage to the trees and reducing their growth. They also provide on developing fruit, leaving behind scars and holes, which can significantly reduce the quality of the fruit. In severe cases, the feeding can cause the fruit to drop prematurely.
Life History and Habitat:
Fruit tree leafrollers have one generation per year and spend the winter in cocoons in the soil or bark crevices. They emerge in the spring and mate, laying their eggs on the underside of leaves. The larvae hatch from the eggs and feed on the leaves, spinning silk webbing to protect themselves from predators. The larvae pupate in cocoons and emerge as adult moths in the summer. Fruit tree leafrollers prefer warm, sheltered areas with plenty of food sources, such as fruit trees and other plants.
