Filbert: Omnivorous leaftier
categories: Filbert Filbert Insects Tree Fruits
revision date: 2022-12-05 12:00
Photo by: K. Grey
Biology
The omnivorous leaftier is the caterpillar of a bell-shaped tortricid moth. The small larvae tend to be quite active when disturbed, often wiggling vigorously backwards or dropping from the plant on a silk thread. The caterpillars tie foliage together with webbing and feed inside the protective nest. The omnivorous leaftier also commonly feeds on foliage and flowers of cultivated flowers including asters, heather, chrysanthemum, and gladioli, as well as on strawberry fruit and legumes. Female moths typically lay eggs on bark or rough wood.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Hand-pick and destroy individual caterpillars or nests when practical.
- Pinch to kill caterpillars inside rolled leaves.
- Encourage natural enemies of caterpillars including birds, parasitic wasps and flies, and predacious beetles. 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.
- Apply when caterpillars are present.
- Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) will control caterpillars only if they are actively feeding.
- Use a spreader-sticker with liquid Bt formulations.
- NOTE: Carbaryl is toxic to bees.
- Do not apply products containing carbaryl on or near blooming plants.
- To minimize risk to bees, apply in the evening after bees have stopped foraging for the day.
- 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
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.
Additional Images
Photo by: K. Grey
Photo by: K. Grey
Photo by: K. Grey