Cherry Scallop Shell Moth
Hydria prunivorata Ferguson


Hanson, T., and E. B. Walker. [n.d.] Field guide to common insect pests of urban trees in the Northeast. Waterbury, VT: Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.


Lepidoptera: Geometridae

Hosts: Prefers black cherry, but will occasionally feed on other wild cherries

Evidence: From mid-summer to early fall, look for reddish brown leaves webbed together toward the end of the branch. Inside these feeding shelters are the "inch worm" caterpillars, which are blackish above with four longitudinal yellow lines, and straw yellow beneath.

Life Cycle: Adult moths emerge throughout the summer, with a peak in June. The eggs are laid on the underside of leaves in tiered masses one to four layers deep. Larvae feed communally on leaves from July to early fall in shelters made by tying leaves together with silk. Once fully grown, the larvae drop to the ground and pupate. Pupae overwinter in the forest litter.

a. Larvae of the CHERRY SCALLOP SHELL MOTH feed in groups in shelters made by tying the leaves together.

b. The attractive larvae of the CHERRY SCALLOP SHELL MOTH are often concealed in leaf shelters.

Management: Heavily-infested trees may be completely defoliated. Dieback and decline of cherries may follow outbreaks of this insect. Naturally occurring parasites, predators, and disease organisms help to keep populations of this insect in check. Specifically, a wasp (Telenomus sp.) parasitic on the eggs of the cherry scallop shell moth has been known to terminate outbreaks. Nests and visible larvae on trees can be hand-picked and destroyed. Chemical control of concealed larvae is difficult.

References:

Drooz, A.T. 1985. Insects of Eastern Forests. USDA Forest Service Miscellaneous Publication 1426. p 378;

Rose, A.H. and Lindquist, O.H. 1997. Insects of Eastern Hardwood Trees. Canadian Forest Service Publication. Forestry Technical Report 29. P 248.

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