Pococera robustella
Zeller, 1848
pine webworm moth
Pococera robustella, commonly known as the pine webworm , is a of pyralid moth whose larvae are significant defoliators of pine trees in eastern North America. The caterpillars feed on pine needles and produce characteristic webbing, giving rise to the . This species has been documented as prey for the assassin bug Acholla multispinosa.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pococera robustella: //ˌpoʊkoʊˈsɛrə ˌroʊbʌˈstɛlə//
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Identification
Images
Habitat
Pine forests and plantations, particularly those with Pinus .
Distribution
Southern Canada and eastern United States, ranging from Minnesota to New England and south to Florida.
Diet
Larvae feed on needles of various Pinus .
Host Associations
- Pinus - larval food plantvarious pine
- Pinus elliottii - larval food plantFlorida slash pine, specifically noted in plantation settings
Behavior
Larvae construct silken webs among pine needles while feeding.
Ecological Role
Herbivore; larval defoliation can cause damage to pine trees. Prey for predatory insects including assassin bugs (Acholla multispinosa).
Human Relevance
Considered a pest in pine plantations and forests due to defoliation damage caused by larvae. Subject to management efforts in commercial pine operations.
Similar Taxa
- Pococera asperatellaBoth are congeneric pyralid moths with larvae that feed on trees and produce webbing; P. asperatella is known as the maple webworm and feeds on maple rather than pine.