University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Insect Damage

Leafrollers
Tortricidae

 
Frequency
3 (1 = rare 5 = annual)
 
Severity
2 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)
 
Hosts
There are more than more than 200 species.

 
Plants Affected
 
Symptoms
Leafrollers in general are solitary and web a leaf so that the leaf appears rolled or folded. Once the leaf is rolled, the insect feeds inside. The rolled/webbed leaf also offers the leafroller some protection from predators as well as insecticides. In severe cases, individual leaves will turn brown or lace-like due to the feeding of the caterpillar.

 
Life Cycle
After the caterpillar pupates in the rolled leaf, the adult moth emerges to mate and lay eggs.

 
Management
Usually damage is too scattered and slight to warrant control.

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic