Leaf rollers on aspen
There may be a number of different insects attacking aspen trees in the County this year.
The two main insects are Pseudexentera oregonana - Aspen leaf roller and Orthosia hibisci - Speckled green fruit worm. There are also small numbers of large aspen tortrix and linden looper.
Pseudexentera oregonana - aspen leaf roller
- attacks aspen poplar - rolls the leaf up to be protected through metamorphosis
- won't kill the tree but the appearance will be affected for the summer
- there will be a reflush of leaves
- the caterpillar is the larva of a small moth, the insect is going into the pupa stage so there shouldn't be any more damage
- the insects may be bad again next year dependant on weather conditions but should be gone by the following year
- the population is high this year due to the mild winter and warm wet spring we experienced
- there are no control methods for this insect as it is protected by the leaf.
- keep desirable trees well watered
Orthosia hibisci - speckled fruit worm
attacks poplar, willow, white birch and other trees
Choristoneura conflictana - large aspen tortrix
attacks aspen poplar and sometimes willow and balsam poplar
Errannis tiliaria - linden looper
feeds on a variety of hardwoods usually the understory
Although the main leaf roller present on the aspen is the aspen leaf roller there are several other leaf rollers also present in smaller numbers.
Further information
Transportation and Agriculture Services
780-417-7100 (24 hour)
transportationandagriculture@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Page ID: 3492