Agonopterix alstromeriana
- Common Name: Hemlock defoliating moth
- Insect: Moth
- Generations Per Year: One
- Overwintering Stage: Adult (in soil)
BIOLOGY: Mature larvae are small, green caterpillars with three dark stripes running the length of the body. The caterpillars are about 10 mm (approximately 3/8 inch) long and will wriggle vigorously when probed or otherwise stimulated. Adults are small (17mm or 2/3 inch), brownish moths. Overwintering adults lay eggs on the plants in early spring. Larvae emerge in early May, feed through July, pupate and emerge as adults in late summer.
DESTRUCTIVE STAGE: Larvae (leaf feeding)
IMPACT TO HOST: Larvae attack poison hemlock by rolling leaves and feeding on foliage, flowers, and buds.
REDISTRIBUTION: Larvae can be collected in late June and early July using picking leaf rolls off of plants. A typical release is 250 adults.
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