THE EASTERN PINE-SHOOT BORER, EUCOSMA GLORIOLA (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE), IN NORTH AMERICA

Abstract

AbstractEucosma gloriola Heinrich is distinguished from E. sonomana Kearfott, a closely related species, by using differences in morphology and distribution. E. gloriola is notably smaller in alar expanse and in size of male genitalia. The distribution of E. gloriola follows closely the natural range of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.), while E. sonomana follows that of ponderosa pine (P. ponderosa Laws.).Eucosma gloriola overwinters in the pupal stage in the soil. Adults emerge from late April to mid-May in eastern and southern areas, and from late April to early June in northern areas. The insect passes through five larval instars within a pine shoot. Larvae emerge from shoots and drop to the ground in early July in eastern and southern areas, and somewhat later in northern areas.Symptoms of attack and injury by E. gloriola in two- and five-needle pines are distinct from those of other eastern shoot and tip moths. The destruction of leaders is the most important injury since stunted and deformed trees result from repeated attack.Large-scale chemical control methods as required in reforestation plantings of Christmas trees are difficult to achieve. Glypta sp. was the most abundant of five parasites reared from the eastern pine-shoot borer.