Elm Spanworm
Ennomos subsignarius

The preferred hosts of elm spanworm are red and white oaks and a few other hardwood species, especially hickory, pecan, and related trees. This is a destructive forest pest, particularly in the southern Appalachians, where widespread, severe outbreaks have occured. Repeated defoliation can cause growth loss, dieback, reduction in mastcrops, and even mortality.

Identification:

Larvae are slate gray to brownish black, with yellowish body markings (yellow or green at low population densities), and 1 1/2 to 2 inches (40 to 50 mm) long. The adults are snowwhite moths. The small, barrel-shaped, olive-green eggs are laid in masses on the underside of small branches in the Southeast. To the north, they are found more commonly on the bole.

Injury:

Young larvae feed on the edge and undersides of leaves, causing a shothole appearance at low population levels. When populations are high, they consume the entire leaf, except the main veins, giving a feathered appearance to the tree.

Biology and History:

Overwintering eggs hatch in early spring when the buds break, usually in late April in the South. The larvae feed for 4 to 6 weeks and then pupate in net-like cocoons on the host tree or understory. Six to 10 days later, in late June or mid-July, the moths emerge and deposit their eggs. There is one generation per year.