Forest Pests: Insects, Diseases & Other Damage Agents

Arborvitae Leafminer (Argyresthia thuiella)

Maier, C.T., C.R. Lemmon, J.M. Fengler, D.F. Schweitzer, and R.C. Reardon. 2004. Caterpillars on the Foliage of Conifers in the Northeastern United States. FHTET-2004-1. Morgantown, WV: USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team; 151 p.

Description. Greenish body with dark brown head, prothoracic shield, and anal plate. Up to 7 mm.

Food. Northern white-cedar.

Life Cycle. One generation. Nearly full-grown caterpillar overwinters in mined foliage. Mature caterpillar present from April to June.

Comments. The caterpillar forms its pupa within its foliar mine, usually near the base. The green pupa is curved at the end of the abdomen. See the comments for the Canadian arborvitae leafminer, Argyresthia canadensis. The arborvitae leafminer sometimes is a serious pest of planted northern white-cedars (arborvitae). The mined foliage typically turns brown (see below).

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