Hop snout-moth

The hop snout-moth (Hypena humuli) is a member of the Erebidae family. As the name implies, this insect is a dedicated pest of the common hop (Humulus lupulus). It is recognized by its distinctive snout-like palpi and its ability to rapidly defoliate hop vines during the growing season.

This pest specifically targets hop plants. The larvae feed on the foliage, creating irregular holes and consuming leaf tissue. When larval populations are high, they may also damage the inflorescences (cones), significantly reducing the quality and weight of the harvest, which is critical for the brewing industry.

The life cycle of Hypena humuli involves complete metamorphosis. Adults typically overwinter in protected areas, such as leaf litter or crevices in bark. With the onset of warmer spring weather, they emerge, mate, and deposit eggs on the undersides of hop leaves, initiating the first generation of larvae.

The damage caused by these caterpillars can be severe. By reducing the photosynthetic area, the larvae weaken the plant, affecting its overall vigor and growth. In cases of heavy infestation, the aesthetic and economic value of the hop cones is severely compromised due to mechanical damage and contamination.

Integrated management strategies for the hop snout-moth include:

• Regular field scouting to monitor larval counts during peak development stages.
• Sanitation practices, including the removal and destruction of crop debris after harvest to reduce overwintering sites.
• Biological control measures, such as the application of Bacillus thuringiensis sprays.
• Chemical control using selective insecticides applied according to economic threshold levels.
• Encouraging natural predators and parasitoids within the hop garden to regulate population growth naturally.