Holly bud moth

The holly bud moth, Rhopobota naevana (Hbn.) Kearfott, is a key pest in holly production and landscapes. It is also known as the blackheaded fireworm in cranberry production. It was introduced into the British Colombia in 1923 and has expanded its territory into Washington and Oregon and other areas of the country.

This insect overwinters as eggs which hatch in spring at which time the new caterpillars feed on buds. Older caterpillars feed on leaves, first webbing them together. The feeding damage includes rolled leaves, holes, and blackened tissue, including tip dieback. The caterpillars generally pupate in leaves on the soil although pupae can be found on occasion within the rolled leaves while on the plant. The moth generally emerges in June and then lays eggs on the leaf underside. There are two generations a year. Other hosts include apple, blueberry, cherry, Crataegus, Fraxinus, Ilex, Prunus, Pyrus, Sorbus, Spiraea, Syringa, and Vaccinium.

One cultural control for this pest is to collect and dispose of the fallen leaves to reduce successful emergence from the pupae.

Useful links:

North Carolina Pest News: Holly bud moth

UK Moths: Holly tortrix. Nice image of the moth.

Holly bud moth caterpillar

Photo: Rosetta

Pupa of holly bud moth

Photo: Rosetta

Leaves webbed together by holly bud moth

Photo: Rosetta

Holly bud moth damage

Photo: Rosetta

Holly bud moth damage

Photo: Rosetta

Holly bud moth damage

Photo: Rosetta

Blackened tissue from holly bud moth

Photo: Rosetta

Tip die-back from holly bud moth feeding

Photo: Rosetta

Page last modified 6/24/09