Florentine spanworm

The Florentine spanworm (lat. Lycia florentina) belongs to the order Lepidoptera and the family Geometridae. Known for the characteristic looping movement of its larvae, this species is recognized as a significant defoliator in many regions where host trees and shrubs are prevalent.

This pest is a generalist feeder that impacts a variety of deciduous trees, including many fruit-bearing species and ornamental shrubs. Its polyphagous nature allows Lycia florentina to thrive in diverse environments, from managed orchards to expansive forest belts, posing a challenge for systematic plant protection.

The biological cycle of the spanworm consists of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Overwintering typically occurs in the pupal stage, buried within the soil or leaf litter, which provides protection from winter frost. Emerging adults lay eggs on host vegetation in early spring, leading to larval development as foliage emerges.

Damage is primarily caused by the larvae, which voraciously consume leaf tissue. Infestations result in significant defoliation, which hampers the host plant's ability to undergo photosynthesis. This stress often leads to reduced fruit yields, inhibited vegetative growth, and a compromised immune system that leaves the plant vulnerable to secondary diseases.

Integrated pest management strategies are crucial for controlling populations of this spanworm. Control measures include monitoring for egg masses, using biological control agents, or applying targeted insecticides during the early larval instars. Additionally, tilling the soil around trees can help disrupt the pupation sites and reduce the pest population density for the following season.