Leafrollers can cause much damage to ornamental, native and fruit trees. They are the larvae of certain tortricid moths. Eggs are laid by mature moths usually on twigs, leaves or weeds. As the eggs hatch damage begins.
Several species can cause problems in California. Damage caused and management for all species is similar. UC ANR’s free publication, Leafrollers on Ornamental and Fruit Trees: Pest Notes for Home and Landscape is a great place for home gardeners and landscape professional to learn more about these pests and how to manage them.
Commercial growers can find leafroller information by commodity at UC IPM’s website.
Chewed up leaf with pupa of fruittree leafroller
inside cocoon on leaf surface. Photo by Jack Kelly Clark.
Egg mass remains on avocado leaf
after hatching. Photo by Jack Kelly Clark.
Western avocado leafroller larva.
Photo by Jack Kelly Clark.
Young fruittree leafroller larva. The larvae
tie or roll leaves or blossoms together with silken
threads and feed inside this nest. Photo by Jack Kelly Clark.