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Incurvaria pectinea

Pale feathered cutter

Description

Pale feathered cutter Incurvaria pectinea is a species of moth in the family Incurvariidae. The larvae of this moth cause notable damage to the leaves of broadleaved trees. The young larva creates a small circular blotch mine in the leaves of the food plant. After this initial feeding, the larva falls to the ground in a case cut from the blotch, leaving a round hole in the leaf. The caterpillar then continues to feed on withered leaves and hibernates fully-fed in the same case. Incurvaria pectinea has one generation per year, with adults emerging from mid-April to the end of May. The damage caused by these larvae, characterized by the distinctive mines and subsequent leaf holes, can reduce the photosynthetic capacity of the trees, leading to weakened overall health and premature leaf drop. They ususally cause jsut aesthetical problem.

Symptom

Round holes in the leaf.

Tree Species: Birch, Cherry, Hornbeam, Apple Tree, Rowan, Whitebeam, Alder

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes