2 (1 = rare 5 = annual)

3 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)

There are several species of needle miners. Spruce needle miner (Endothenia albolineana) attacks most types of spruces.

Tree

• Colorado Spruce (Picea pungens)
• Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
• White Spruce (Picea glauca)

Bundles of brown, dead needles tied to the twig are obvious on close examination. High infestations can cause noticeably thin foliage.

Eggs are laid like shingles on the spruce needles. After hatching, the larva enters the base of the needle, hollowing it out. The larvae cut the needles off after completely mining them. Dense mats of silk threads hold the dead needles on the twig. Larvae feed on one needle after another untill fall. At this time, the larvae overwinter inside a needle. They emerge in the spring and feed till they pupate

If necessary, apply an insecticide in early spring.

Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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