Pear: Apple-and-thorn skeletonizer

Photo by: A.L. Antonelli

Use IPM (Integrated Pest Management) for successful plant problem management.

Biology The adult of the apple-and-thorn skeletonizer is a small dark-brown or reddish-brown moth. It overwinters as a pupa or an adult, with the females laying eggs in the spring. The caterpillars are yellow-green in color, have black spots and brown heads, and feed on the leaves of several plants including apple, crabapple, pear, cherry, and hawthorn. Caterpillars are about 1/2" long at maturity. Characteristic damage includes skeletonized leaves, or leaves that are rolled into a cone and tied with webbing. Damaged leaves are papery brown and drop prematurely.

Management Options

• Hand-pick and destroy caterpillars when practical.
• Naturally-occurring enemies help control populations of apple-and-thorn skeletonizers. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill beneficial insects.
• Pinch caterpillars inside rolled leaves or prune and destroy heavily infested twigs.

Revision Date:5/6/2009

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) will provide control to young feeding caterpillars. Use a spreader-sticker with liquid Bt formulations.

If you choose to use a pesticide, some examples of products that are legal in Washington are listed below.

Always read and follow all label directions.


• Bonide Thuricide BT Conc
• Bull's-Eye Bioinsecticide
• ferti-lome Borer, Bagworm, Leafminer & Tent Caterpillar Spray
• Monterey Garden Insect Spray Easy-to-Use
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.

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