Forest Pests: Insects, Diseases & Other Damage Agents

Larch Casebearer (Coleophora laricella)

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. Easily recognized by its grayish white tubular case that has longitudinal ridges. Brown body with dark brown head, prothoracic shield, spiracles, and anal plate; relatively small prolegs. Up to 6 mm.

Food. Eastern larch.

Life Cycle. One generation. Partly grown caterpillar overwinters in its case at the base of a bud. Mature caterpillar present in May and June.

Comments. After it becomes a second instar, this species lives in a case that is composed of two mined needles that are bound together with silk. Extensive mining by caterpillars causes the normally green needles of larch to turn brown. The larch casebearer infests not only native larches, but also several introduced species used in landscape plantings. This European pest arrived in North America in the 1800s. Since then, it has spread widely in Canada and the northern United States.

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