Forest Pests: Insects, Diseases & Other Damage Agents

Small Pine Looper (Eupithecia palpata)

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, yellowish body with dark reddish middorsal stripe and pinkish red annulations on segments. Brownish yellow head with reddish tinge. Two or three faint, narrow, longitudinal lines between middorsal stripe and spiracles; light yellow spiracular stripe. Obvious, pinkish red band near hind margin of segments; anal plate darkened in center. Up to 15 mm.

Food. Balsam fir, eastern hemlock, eastern larch, pines, spruces, and possibly other conifers.

Life Cycle. One generation. Pupa overwinters in soil or debris. Mature caterpillar present from June to October.

Comments. The mature caterpillar of the small pine looper can be found over a period of 5 months on many different trees. Future research may reveal that this species actually is a complex of several species.

[ Contents ]     [ Previous ]     [ Next ]     [ Home ]