Zeiraphera canadensis
| Zeiraphera canadensis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Tortricidae |
| Genus: | Zeiraphera |
| Species: | Z. canadensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Zeiraphera canadensis Mutuura & Freeman, 1967 | |
The Spruce Bud Moth (Zeiraphera canadensis) is a moth of the Tortricidae family.
The larvae feed mainly on Picea glauca but they have been found on other species of spruce and fir.[1] While it is not a concern in natural stands, in spruce plantations in is considered a pest, as repeated years of defoliation leads to deformity in the crown, loss of stem form and lower productivity.[2]
Distribution
Mainly in eastern North America, but found across the continent.[1]
Life Cycle
Z. canadensis overwinters as an egg on the tree, emerging in May it feeds on developing bud, eating new needles and the developing bark of the shoot.[1] A characteristic indicator of this feeding is observing the bud cap remaining at the tip of the branch long after the rest have fallen off.[1] The budmoth secures the bud cap to the developing cap with silk, enablining it to feed securely underneath.[1] Once feeding is compelete in June/early July, the larvae drops to the soil and pupates in the leaf litter, emerging in July/mid August, where they lay their eggs.[1]
The mature larvae is 10mm long and creamy yellow.[1]