Cherry: Apple-and-thorn skeletonizer
categories: Cherry Cherry Insects Tree Fruits
last review date: 2026-03-22 12:34
Photo by: A.L. Antonelli
Biology
The adult of the apple-and-thorn skeletonizer is a small dark-brown or reddish-brown moth. The skeletonizer overwinters as a pupa or an adult, with the females laying eggs in the spring.
The caterpillars are yellow green in color, have black spots and brown heads, and feed on the leaves of several plants including apple, crabapple, pear, and hawthorn. Caterpillars are about 1⁄2″ long at maturity.
Characteristic damage includes skeletonized leaves or leaves that are rolled into a cone and tied with webbing. Damaged leaves are brown and papery and drop prematurely.
Attracting and Keeping Natural Enemies
and Pollinators in Your Yard and Garden
- Native plants provide essential resources.
- Native flora also provides natural overwintering sites.
- Natural dispersion from nearby habitats ensures visitation.
- Some kinds of beneficial insects predatory mites are commercially available.
- Avoid regular use of synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides.
- Infrequent use of certain narrow-spectrum pesticides is more compatible with some beneficials.
- Extensive lawns are also not conducive to attracting beneficial insects.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Hand-pick and destroy caterpillars when practical.
- Pinch caterpillars inside rolled leaves or prune and destroy heavily infested twigs.
- Naturally occurring enemies help control populations of apple-and-thorn skeletonizers. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill beneficial insects.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) will provide control to young feeding caterpillars.
- Use a spreader-sticker with liquid Bt formulations.
- Homeowners should not make foliar applications to trees over 10 ft tall.
- Consult a commercial pesticide applicator for treatment of trees and shrubs over 10 ft. tall.
Approved Pesticides
Examples of pesticides that are legal for home use in Washington State are listed below.
The list may not include all products registered for this use.
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.
Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.