Archips argyrospila (Walker)
The adult is red-brown with mottling (A). The translucent green caterpillar has a reddish to dark brown head and an amber to pale green thoracic shield edged with brown (B).
Most fruit-growing states and provinces in eastern North America.
Attacks apple and pear mainly, plus other tree fruits on occasion. A silky web usually ties together leaves and young, partially eaten fruit; injured apples have pronounced deformations at maturity (C).
The late-instar larva is difficult to distinguish from the obliquebanded leafroller (Choristoneura rosaceana) unless reared out to the adult stage, but the larva of the fruittree leafroller tends to be more active when held and is absent from the orchard a few weeks after fruit set.
The insect seldom causes problems. When necessary, use broad-spectrum insecticides (which can simultaneously be directed against the plum curculio) and selective insecticides (Bacillus thuringiensis and insect growth regulators).
The MSU IPM Program maintains this site as an access point to pest management information at MSU. The IPM Program is administered within the Department of Entomology, fueled by research from the AgBioResearch, delivered to citizens through MSU Extension, and proud to be a part of Project GREEEN.