Agonopterix alstromeriana
Biocontrol agent
Biology
Mature larvae are small, green caterpillars with three dark stripes running the length of the body. The caterpillars are about 10 mm (approximately 3/8 inch) long and will wriggle vigorously when probed or otherwise stimulated. Adults are small (17mm or 2/3 inch), brownish moths. Overwintering adults lay eggs on the plants in early spring. Larvae emerge in early May, feed through July, pupate and emerge as adults in late summer.
Destructive Stage
Larvae (leaf feeding)
Impact To Host
Larvae attack poison hemlock by rolling leaves and feeding on foliage, flowers, and buds.
Redistribution
Larvae can be collected in late June and early July using picking leaf rolls off of plants. A typical release is 250 adults.
