Redbanded leafroller

Insect

Redbanded leafroller

Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker)

Lepidoptera: Tortricidae

Distribution: Most fruit-growing states and provinces in eastern North America.

Photos

Larvae feed on the fruit surface.

Larvae feed on the fruit surface. NY State Ag Experiment Station
C

The adult's forewings are grayish brown with a subtle dark red and brown oblique band (A). The larva is pale green with a yellow or green head (B).

  • Crops Affected: apples

    Damage

    Attacks apple mainly; other fruit trees may be affected. Larvae cause rolling of the leaves; they feed on the surface of fruit (C) and dig superficial tunnels in the flesh of fruit. Damage can be confused with that of the lesser appleworm (Grapholita prunivora), but in the case of the redbanded leafroller, damage is not accompanied by reddish frass.

    Management

    This insect may become problematic in orchards under a softer pesticide program or those relying on mating disruption for other species. Species presence and flight activity can be monitored with pheromone traps. Economic infestations can be controlled by the use of selective (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis) or broad-spectrum insecticides.

    Similar Species

    Resembles other tortricid larvae, but most, including obliquebanded leafroller (Choristoneura rosaceana), fruittree leafroller (Archips argyrospila) and threelined leafroller (Pandemis limitata) are larger and have a darker head.

More Information on Similar Species

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