Oak Skeletonizer– Bucculatrix ainsliellaCommon Name: Oak Skeletonizer
Latin Name: Bucculatrix ainsliella
Appearance:
The adult Oak Skeletonizer is a small moth with an 8-10 mm wingspan. It is light brown or tan, with dark brown markings on its wings. The larvae of this moth are greenish-yellow in color and have a flattened appearance.
Egg:The eggs of the Oak Skeletonizer are small, round, and white.
Pupae:This moth’s pupae are found in silk cocoons, which are usually attached to the bark of oak trees.
Larva:The larvae of the Oak Skeletonizer feed on the leaves of oak trees, causing significant damage. They create irregular holes in the leaves and can cause defoliation in severe infestations.
Adults:The adult Oak Skeletonizer is active in the early summer months, usually from May to July.
Host plants:
The Oak Skeletonizer feeds primarily on oak trees but has also been known to feed on other trees, such as beech and chestnut.
Territory:
The Oak Skeletonizer is found in North America, primarily in the eastern and central regions.
Damages caused by Oak Skeletonizer:
The Oak Skeletonizer can cause significant damage to oak trees by feeding on their leaves, which can lead to defoliation and reduced tree health. The tree may be weakened and susceptible to other pests and diseases in severe infestations.
Life history and Habits:
The Oak Skeletonizer undergoes a complete metamorphosis, with four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larvae of this moth feed on the leaves of oak trees, causing damage to the tree. The pupae of this moth are found in silk cocoons on the tree’s bark. The adult moth emerges from the pupa in the early summer months and mates and lays eggs on the leaves of oak trees. The life cycle of the Oak Skeletonizer takes approximately one year. The Oak Skeletonizer can have multiple generations per year, with the later generations often causing more damage due to the more significant number of larvae feeding on the tree.
