Larch
Guides
Anoplonyx canadensis
Anoplonyx canadensis is a larch sawfly native to eastern Canada, historically confused with A. luteipes and A. laricis due to similar adult morphology. The species belongs to a small genus of sawflies specialized on Larix trees, with larvae that feed on larch foliage. Detailed morphological study is required to distinguish this species from its congeners, particularly in adult stages.
Dicladocerus
Dicladocerus is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, first described by Westwood in 1832. The genus contains species distributed across the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, including North America north of Mexico and Japan. Several North American species—specifically D. nearcticus, D. pacificus, and D. terraenovae—are known to attack larch casebearer (Coleophoridae), a moth pest of larch trees. The genus was taxonomically revised in 1976, with twelve new species described from North America and one from Japan.
Erannis
Erannis is a genus of geometer moths (Geometridae: Ennominae) erected by Jacob Hübner in 1825. The genus comprises approximately twelve species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region, with greatest diversity in northern temperate zones. Several species are significant forest pests, with larvae feeding on coniferous and deciduous trees. Taxonomic placement remains debated: some authorities recognize the tribe Erannini with Erannis as type genus, while others merge this group into Boarmiini or Bistonini.
Eupithecia fletcherata
Fletcher's larch looper
Eupithecia fletcherata, known as Fletcher's larch looper, is a North American moth in the family Geometridae described by George Taylor in 1907. The species is named in honor of Dr. James Fletcher, a prominent Canadian entomologist. It belongs to the large genus Eupithecia, commonly called 'pugs,' which are recognized by their narrow wings and distinctive resting posture. The species has been documented visiting apple flowers, contributing to nocturnal pollination services.
Paralobesia palliolana
Paralobesia palliolana is a tortricid moth whose larvae were discovered injuring shoot tips on larch (Larix spp.) in Michigan. Originally described as Polychrosis palliolana by McDunnough in 1938 from flight-captured specimens without confirmed hosts, the species was later associated with larch damage through field observations. It belongs to the Olethreutinae subfamily, a group of tortricid moths that includes many species with concealed feeding habits.
Pristiphora
Pristiphora is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae. Species within this genus are known for their larval feeding on leaves of various plants, with some species causing significant economic damage to trees and shrubs. The genus includes notable pests such as the larch sawfly (Pristiphora erichsonii), which defoliates tamarack and other larch species. Adults are small, dark-colored wasp-like insects with two pairs of wings.
Pristiphora erichsonii
Larch Sawfly
Pristiphora erichsonii, commonly known as the larch sawfly, is a species of sawfly native to Europe that was introduced to North America in the mid-to-late 19th century. It is a significant defoliator of larch trees (Larix spp.), particularly tamarack (Larix laricina) in North America. The species undergoes population outbreaks that can cause severe defoliation, though trees typically recover from single-year damage. Severe defoliation over multiple years can weaken trees and reduce winter survival. The species has been the subject of extensive ecological and population dynamics research due to its economic importance in forestry.
Tetropium velutinum
Western Larch Borer
Tetropium velutinum, commonly known as the Western Larch Borer, is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1869. The species is associated with coniferous forests of western North America, particularly with larch trees (Larix spp.) which serve as its larval host. Like other members of the genus Tetropium, adults are typically attracted to recently dead or dying host trees.
Zeiraphera improbana
larch needleworm moth, Larch Needleworm
Zeiraphera improbana is a small tortricid moth native to North America, commonly known as the larch needleworm moth. The species has a wingspan of approximately 19 mm. Its larvae are specialized feeders on Larix species, particularly tamarack (Larix laricina). The species is subject to parasitism by multiple hymenopteran families including braconid, ichneumonid, and chalcid wasps.