Jack Pine Budworm – Choristoneura pinus

Jack Pine Budworm – Choristoneura pinus Common Name: Jack Pine Budworm Latin Name: Choristoneura pinus Appearance: The adult moths have a wingspan of about 2.5 cm and are grayish-brown with distinctive wavy lines across their wings. The larvae are greenish-gray with a darker head and can grow up to 2.5 cm long.

• Egg:The eggs are tiny, about 0.5 mm in diameter, and are laid in clusters of 30-100 on the needles of host trees.
• Pupae:The pupae are brown and about 1 cm long. They are usually found in bark crevices or on the ground near host trees.
• Larva:The larvae have five instars and undergo a complete metamorphosis. They feed on the needles and buds of host trees, often defoliating entire branches.

Host plants: The Jack Pine Budworm primarily feeds on various species of pine trees, including jack pine, red pine, and white pine. Territory: The Jack Pine Budworm is found in Canada and the northern United States, primarily in the Great Lakes region. Damages caused by Jack Pine Budworm: The Jack Pine Budworm is considered a severe pest of pine forests. The larvae feed on the buds and needles of host trees, causing defoliation, growth loss, and even tree mortality. Infestations can occur on a large scale, affecting thousands of hectares of forest. Life history and Habits: The Jack Pine Budworm has a one-year life cycle. The adults emerge from late May to early June 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 buds of host trees for several weeks before pupating in mid-summer. The pupae overwinter and emerge as adults the following spring. Infestations of the Jack Pine Budworm typically occur in cycles, with outbreaks occurring every 10-15 years.