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Pine tip moths are a group of insects that cause damage to young
trees by feeding on growing shoot tips. Although pine tip moths
usually do not lead to tree death, severe damage from growth
loss and stem deformity can result. Of the species found in
Florida, the Nantucket pine tip moth and the subtropical pine
tip moth are the most common. In the spring, female moths lay their eggs on pine shoots. Eggs hatch 5 to 30 days later and the new larvae feed on surrounding, new pine growth and then bore into the bud and shoot. The larvae devour and damage these tree |
 Nantucket pine tip moth: needle damage Photo credit: R. F. Billings - Texas Forest Service |
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| parts for 3 to 4 weeks as they move progressively downwards,hollowing out the shoot and killing it. The larvae molt and become pupae that attach themselves in the cavities that they hollowed out while eating. From the pupae, adult moths emerge and the cycle begins again. | ||
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Pine needles of infected trees turn from green to reddish-brown and will ultimately fall off. Branch tips will be dead or dying and are often curved or tipped. Resin and fine webbing will accumulate on branch tips. Dead and damaged buds, shoots, and flowers will often be hollowed out. |
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Adult pine tip moths have a wingspan of 1/2" and are 1/4" long. Their bodies are gray, copper, and red colored but it is unlikely that you will see them as they are not normally active during the day. The larvae are cream-colored caterpillars with a black head. As the larvae mature, their body turns brown to orange and grows to a length of 3/8". |
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Loblolly and shortleaf pine are the favorite hosts. Sand, spruce, pond, and slash pine are sometimes attacked. Longleaf pine is rarely infected. Pine tip moths generally attack only young seedlings and saplings. Attacks are rare once trees exceed 15' in height. |
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Photos Click on thumbnails to see a larger image in a new window. Close the new window to return to this page. |
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 Nantucket pine tip moth: larva feeding at base of needles Photo: D. J. Moorhead - University of Georgia |
 Nantucket pine tip moth: adult on loblolly pine needle Photo: J. A. Richmond - USDA Forest Service |
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| [Forest Health] |
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