What is the characteristic appearance of a Winter Moth infested canopy?
Answer
Skeletonization, where only leaf veins remain intact
The feeding pattern of the Winter Moth larvae often leads to a specific type of foliage damage known as skeletonization. As the caterpillars feed, they consume the soft, fleshy tissue between the leaf veins. If the infestation is moderate to heavy, this leaves behind a net-like structure where the primary veins of the leaf remain attached to the twig, but the majority of the leaf lamina has been eaten away. Early feeding may occur within the protected space of the opening bud, resulting in stunted or ragged leaves, but the characteristic sign of established feeding progression is this vein retention.
Related Questions
Which stage of the Winter Moth inflicts the major feeding damage?What is the characteristic appearance of a Winter Moth infested canopy?During which period do male and female Winter Moths fly to mate?When must systemic treatments be absorbed for effectiveness against larvae?Why does the extensive host range of *Operophtera brumata* complicate management?What is the mobility characteristic of the adult female Winter Moth?What primary consequence forces a host plant after severe, early spring defoliation?Where do Winter Moths spend the summer months after larval development?What larval size is generally targeted for traditional contact control tactics?What management approach targets the precursor to the larval diet using physical barriers?