The obliquebanded leafroller occurs throughout the apple-growing areas of the Northeast and Midwest. It is a major pest that is adept at developing resistance to pesticides.

These insects overwinter as a young larvae under bark or in crevasses of tree trunks and twigs. In the spring the overwintering generation bore into opening buds. Later, when the leaves are available, they fold leaves for concealment.

Moths of the first generation emerge from pupae from mid-June to mid-July with peak activity during the latter part of June. Mated females lay eggs on leaves, and the eggs hatch after an incubation period of 10 to 12 days.

Newly hatched larvae move to nearby leaves to feed and develop into adults. Adults of the second generation fly from mid-August to late September. The incubation period and the activity of the second-generation larvae are similar to the first generation. Most of the larvae overwinter on the host plant. Second-generation larvae feed until they reach the third instar. At this time, they seek out suitable winter quarters on the tree, usually between late August and late September. 

Are conditions right for obliquebanded leafroller?
Forecast models for obliquebanded leafroller are available at Enviro-weather. Select a weather station from the map that is closest to your location. Then click on “fruit” for a list of weather resources and models for fruit production.