Tortricidae

49.305 Pine Shoot Moth Rhyacionia buoliana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Local

Similar species: Rhyacionia pinicolana has a filled arch-shaped pre-tornal blotch that does not form a bar across the forewing. It also has a much smaller crest.

Forewing: 7.5 to 11mm

Habitats: Conifer plantations.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk. It later comes to light.

Foodplant: The young larva bores into the base of a needle of Scots Pine, Lodgepole Pine or Black Pine. It is occasionally found on Maritime Pine, Monterey Pine, Weeping Spruce and Western Yellow Pine. The larva later moves into the lateral buds, spinning between them and causing resin to flow. The larva overwinters in a hollowed bud. The following spring it eats into the buds of the developing shoots. It pupates in the feeding place.

On the European mainland it has been recorded feeding on Stone Pine and European Silver Fir.