Fruit IPM Factsheet

Many Leafroller attack fruit plantings in Michigan.   Some are very specific as to their preferred hosts others are generalist and will eat the leaves of many valuable plants.  This key is provided to allow growers and scouts to determine the pest attacking their planting.  While the many different types are confusing, they can be distinguished by their body and head color.

Characteristics of leafrollers commonly attacking fruit crops.

Leafroller Head capsule and thoracic shield Body color
and markings*
Mature larvae present+ Number of generations Overwintering stage
Redbanded leafroller

Both: same color as body, light green to straw color

Light green to straw; same as head and thoracic shield Early to  mid-July 2-3 Pupa
Fruittree leafroller Head: black; thoracic shield: dark colored Light green Late May to early June 1 Egg mass
Obliquebanded leafroller Head: light to dark brown; thoracic shield: dark brown to black Yellowish green Late May to early June and late July to early August 2 Larva
Tufted apple bud moth Head: chestnut brown; prothoracic shield: dark brown Light brown to grayish tan; anal comb; dark stripe down back of body Early to mid-May and late July to early August 2 Larva
Variegated leafroller Both: amber to light brown Apple green Early to mid-May and late July to early August 2 Larva
*Based on characters of the mature larva; characters of the younger larval stages may vary.
+Average time when first mature larvae are detected in Michigan orchards

This key is from Common Tree Fruit Pests by Angus J. Howitt. 
NCR 63 Michigan State University


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Created:  December 23, 1998