Forest Pests: Insects, Diseases & Other Damage Agents

Fletcher's Larch Looper (Eupithecia fletcherata)

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. Slender, brownish body with dorsal diamonds and lateral oblique lines; variable body color. Dark brown head; brown middorsal stripe expanded into diamond on A1 to A5 or A6. Slightly curved, white oblique line above spiracles with purplish to dark brown areas above and below; dark brown subspiracular stripe. Anal plate edged with white posteriorly; dark brown prolegs on A10; whitish, partly speckled venter with reddish brown stripe down center. Up to 13 mm.

Food. Eastern larch and white spruce; uncommonly red and black spruces.

Life Cycle. One generation. Pupa overwinters. Mature caterpillar present from July to September.

Comments. This looper is the species of Eupithecia most closely associated with larch in northeastern North America. Two other species that occasionally eat larch are the early brown looper, E. annulata, and the fir needle inchworm, E. lariciata. Both of these caterpillars, however, also feed on many other conifers. The fir needle inchworm usually has a yellowish brown body with purplish markings.

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