Balsam-fir
Guides
Korscheltellus gracilis
Conifer Swift Moth
Korscheltellus gracilis, the Conifer Swift Moth, is a hepialid moth native to eastern and central North America. Adults are active at dusk and exhibit a primitive mating system where males form aerial lek swarms to attract females. Larvae are root-feeders primarily associated with coniferous trees, particularly balsam fir and red spruce, though they can survive on deciduous hosts. The species is considered a forest pest due to larval damage to tree roots and associated pathogen entry points.
Lambdina fervidaria
curve-lined looper, spring hemlock looper, curved-lined looper moth
Lambdina fervidaria is a geometrid moth found in eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 27 mm and are active from May to August. The species has two recognized subspecies with slightly different host plant preferences. Larvae feed on hardwood trees including oaks and ashes, while the subspecies L. f. athasaria specializes on conifers such as balsam fir, spruce, and eastern hemlock.
Lambdina fiscellaria
Hemlock Looper Moth, Mournful Thorn
Lambdina fiscellaria is a North American geometrid moth known as the hemlock looper or mournful thorn. It is a significant forest pest, particularly of coniferous trees, capable of causing complete defoliation and tree mortality during outbreaks. The species comprises three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic ranges and host preferences: the eastern hemlock looper (L. f. fiscellaria), western hemlock looper (L. f. lugubrosa), and western oak looper (L. f. somniaria). Adults are active from August to October with a wingspan of approximately 35 mm.
Pissodes striatulus
Balsam Bark Weevil
Pissodes striatulus, known as the balsam bark weevil, is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae. It occurs in North America, with records from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. The species is associated with coniferous hosts, particularly balsam fir (Abies balsamea), though specific ecological details remain limited in published sources.
Pleroneura bruneicornis
Balsam Shootboring Sawfly
Pleroneura bruneicornis is a species of sawfly in the family Xyelidae, commonly known as the Balsam Shootboring Sawfly. The species is associated with Abies (fir) hosts, particularly balsam fir. It belongs to a primitive lineage of Hymenoptera characterized by distinctive larval feeding habits in conifer shoots. The species is rarely observed, with limited occurrence records.