Forest Pests: Insects, Diseases & Other Damage Agents

Orange Larch Tubemaker (Coleotechnites laricis)

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. Grayish green body usually with orange blush dorsally, especially at hind margin of segments. Mostly dark brown head, prothoracic shield, and anal plate; prothoracic shield with light gray anterior margin; small dark spots on body. Up to 8 mm.

Food. Eastern larch.

Life Cycle. One generation. Partly grown caterpillar overwinters on twig. Mature caterpillar present in June and July.

Comments. After hatching, the young caterpillar mines leaves. In fall, it constructs a shelter of needles and frass along a twig. After spending the winter in its shelter, the caterpillar resumes feeding while it lives in a tube that is composed of needles tied together with silk. Finally, it changes to a pupa within the tube.

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