Viburnum button moth

The Acleris schalleriana, commonly referred to as the viburnum button moth, is a member of the Tortricidae family within the order Lepidoptera. This small moth is primarily recognized for its habit of rolling and tying leaves together. Its distribution spans across North America and Eurasia, often going unnoticed until the damage to the host plant becomes visible.

As the common name implies, its primary host plants are species of the genus Viburnum. Both ornamental and wild viburnums are susceptible to infestation. The pest thrives in environments where these shrubs are densely planted, allowing for rapid movement of larvae between adjacent plants during an outbreak.

The life cycle begins with the overwintering of the adult moth in sheltered locations like bark crevices or leaf litter. As temperatures rise in spring, adults emerge to mate and lay eggs on the emerging foliage. The larvae hatch and begin feeding, spinning silken webs that draw the leaf margins together to create a protected micro-environment for feeding and pupation.

The damage caused by Acleris schalleriana involves the skeletonizing and eating of the foliage. By binding leaves together with silk, the larvae create unsightly nests that diminish the aesthetic value of the plant. In severe infestations, the cumulative loss of leaf area can lead to reduced plant vigor, stunted growth, and a significant reduction in the berry crop for the season.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the most effective approach for control. This includes manual removal and destruction of the silk-tied leaf clusters when populations are low. For larger infestations, botanical insecticides like Neem oil or bacterial sprays containing Bacillus thuringiensis are effective options that minimize harm to beneficial insects if applied correctly.