Udea rubigalis
| Greenhouse Leaftier | |
|---|---|
| Type: | Insect |
| Binomial: | Udea rubigalis |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Metamorphosis: | Complete |
| Damaging stages: | Larval |
Udea rubigalis is a pest insect of greenhouses, field crops, and landscape ornamentals, native to North America. They can cause heavy damage, particularly to greenhouse plants.
Description
Larvae (caterpillars) are yellow to green, with a white stripe on the back. Older caterpillars create webbing which ties leaves together for protection.
Adult is a small brown moth (wingspan about 3/4 inch).
Ecology
White eggs are laid on the leaves. Complete life cycle takes about 40 days.
Host plants
- Ambrosia (Ragweeds)
- Anemone
- Antirrhinum (Snapdragon)
- Begonia
- Beta (Beets)
- Calendula (Pot Marigold)
- Camellia
- Canna
- Chrysanthemum
- Cirsium (Thistle)
- Coleus
- Daucus (Carrot)
- Dianthus (Carnation)
- Glechoma (Ground Ivy)
- Lactuca (Lettuce)
- Lathyrus (Sweet Pea)
- Pelargonium
- Pericallis
- Rhododendron (Azalea)
- Rosa (Rose)
- Petroselenium (Celery)
- Petunia
- Phaseolus (Beans)
- Salvia (Sage)
- Spinacia (Spinach)
- Viola (Violets)
Control
- Predators and parasites: A parasitoid wasp, Meteorus autographae
- Biocontrols (microscopic): Bacillus thuringensis