Udea rubigalis

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).

Symptoms and Signs

Tied leaves, heavy feeding damage.

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