Oak: Oak ribbed casemaker
categories: Oak Oak Insects Ornamental trees Ornamentals
revision date: 2023-04-12 12:00
Photo by: A.L. Antonelli
Biology
Oak ribbed casemaker larvae mine and skeletonize leaf tissues. Young larvae feed inside leaves, chewing away tissues and leaving a linear mine. Older larvae feed on the underside of leaves, leaving only the upper surface and veins, which turn brown. Severely damaged leaves may be almost transparent. The mature larvae are about 1/4″ long, and pale yellow to green. Immature larvae make flat, white, circular cocoons, while cocoons of mature larvae are white, with distinctive longitudinal ribs. The latter can be found on leaves, twigs, or other nearby objects. The adult moth emerges from the ribbed cocoons. It is mottled white, brown, and black with a wingspread of about 1/3″. The oak ribbed casemaker is reported on California white (valley) oak (Quercus lobata) and coast live oak (Q. agrifolia).
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Natural enemies probably help keep populations in check. 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 in summer when caterpillars are first active.
- Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) will control leafrollers only if they are actively feeding.
- 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
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.