Pecan Leaf Casebearer – Acrobasis juglandis
Pecan Leaf Casebearer (Acrobasis juglandis):
Common Name: Pecan Leaf Casebearer
Latin Name: Acrobasis juglandis
Appearance:
The Pecan Leaf Casebearer moth is small, with wings about 10–12 mm long. Its wings have a clear pattern of lines and spots, giving it a mottled grayish-brown look. The larvae are tiny worms that make protected shells out of leaves. They are the most dangerous stage.
Host Plants:
As its name suggests, the Pecan Leaf Casebearer mainly attacks pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis) but can also be found on hickories and other nut plants.
Territory:
They are common in North America, mainly where pecan trees or other host plants are grown.
Damages caused by Pecan Leaf Casebearer:
The Pecan Leaf Casebearer’s larvae are the stage that does the most damage. They use pecan leaves to make nests and eat the leaves. When poorly infested, trees may lose their leaves, making them weaker and more likely to be damaged by other things.
Life History and Habits:
- Egg Stage:The female Pecan Leaf Casebearer moth lays tiny eggs on the surface of pecan leaves. Because they are so small, these eggs are hard to find.
- Larval Stage:Once they hatch, the larvae use silk and parts of leaves to make safe shells. They take these bags around with them while they eat plants.
- Pupal Stage:When the larvae are fully grown, they connect their cases to branches or sticks and pupate inside them.
- Adult Stage:The Pecan Leaf Casebearer adult comes out of the pupa and lays eggs on pecan leaves to start the cycle over.