Key Features
- Cuplike folded leaves
- Blackheaded caterpillar inside
Symptoms
Leaves are tied together and appear cuplike. while this does not harm plant health the accumulation of cupped leaves are unsightly.
Biology
The hydrangea leaftier moth winters as pupae in the soil and emerge as adults in the spring. Adults moths lay eggs on young hydrangea leaves. Eggs hatch into green black headed caterpillars that fold and tie expanded leaves around smaller leaves used as food. Adults emerge from leaves in June
Management Recommendations
Hand removal and destruction caterpillars on folded leaves is usually enough to control the problem. Otherwise an application of spinosad into cupped leaves will control the problem.
Effective Pesticides
Active Ingredients include: Spinosad
Resources
- Not satisfied with ID? Contact the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab
- Sign Up for the Purdue Landscape Report
