Willow flat-body moth

Systematic position: The willow flat-body moth (Agonopterix conterminella) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Depressariidae. This small moth is known for its larval stage, which can cause significant damage to woody plants, particularly those belonging to the Salix (willow) genus.

Host plants and damage: The primary host plants are various species of willow (Salix spp.). The larvae exhibit a cryptic lifestyle, pulling leaves together with silk webbing at the tips of shoots. This activity results in characteristic "nests" of rolled leaves, where the larvae feed on the leaf tissue, skeletonizing the leaves, which causes stunted growth and shoot deformation.

Biology and life cycle: The insect undergoes complete metamorphosis. Adults are nocturnal, active primarily at dusk and during the night, laying eggs on the host plants. Upon hatching, the larvae begin to feed, growing rapidly. Depending on the local climate and length of the growing season, the pest can complete one or two generations per year.

Economic importance: The damage caused by the willow flat-body moth is most significant in nurseries, parklands, and commercial willow plantations. Mass outbreaks lead to a loss of commercial value for saplings, reduced survival rates, and weakened tree immunity, making them susceptible to secondary pests and infections.

Control measures: Management of the pest involves a combination of cultural and chemical interventions:

• Regular monitoring of plantations to identify and remove webbed nests manually.
• Application of biological insecticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis during the early larval stage.
• Use of systemic or contact-action insecticides if the pest population exceeds economic thresholds.
• Maintaining optimal plant density and sanitation practices to minimize the risk of infestation spread.