European Pine Shoot Moth
Common NameEuropean Pine Shoot Moth
Scientific NameRhyacionia buoliana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsorange, brown, white, grey, purple
HabitatPine forests, plantations, nurseries, and areas with its host plants
Geographic RangeNative to Europe and Asia; introduced and established in North America, parts of South America, and New Zealand
Host PlantsScots pine, Mugo pine, Red pine, Austrian pine, Ponderosa pine, various Pinus species
Flight PeriodLate May to August (peak June-July)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on pine needles or buds. Larvae bore into terminal buds and shoots, causing characteristic damage such as 'posthorn' deformities or stunted growth. They overwinter as larvae within the damaged shoots and pupate there in the spring.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive orange-brown and white mottled forewings with silvery-grey and purplish markings, especially the banded termen. Its small size and strong association with pine trees are also important indicators. Larval damage to pine shoots is highly characteristic.
Description
This small moth features mottled orange-brown and white forewings, accented with silvery-grey and purplish markings, and a distinctly banded outer margin. Its head and thorax are similarly colored, with prominent dark eyes.
