Birch moth

Taxonomic position. The birch moth (Epinotia tetraquetrana) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Tortricidae. This species is a well-known pest that specializes in attacking specific woody plants, significantly impacting the health of birch forests and ornamental plantings.

Host plants. The primary hosts for this moth are birch trees (Betula) and occasionally alder (Alnus). The larvae cause damage during the early growing season, targeting developing leaves and floral catkins, which can lead to localized defoliation in forest stands and nurseries.

Biology and life cycle. The species completes one generation per year. It overwinters as a pupa, typically nestled within the leaf litter or soil beneath host trees. Adult moths emerge in spring, coinciding with bud burst. After mating, females lay eggs on fresh foliage, which hatch shortly thereafter.

Damage patterns and economic impact. The larvae are leaf-rollers; they spin silken threads to fold or roll leaves into tubes or pockets. Inside these shelters, they feed on the leaf tissue, causing leaves to wither and turn brown. High infestation levels reduce the photosynthetic capacity of the tree, resulting in stunted growth and increased susceptibility to secondary stressors.

Control measures. Integrated pest management (IPM) is essential for controlling Epinotia tetraquetrana. Recommended actions include:

• Monitoring of adult flight using pheromone traps.
• Manual removal of rolled leaves in small-scale plantings.
• Application of biological insecticides (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis) early in the season.
• Chemical treatment with systemic insecticides if the damage threshold is exceeded in large nurseries.