Description

Adult

Wingspan of 36-49 mm in females and 31-39 mm in males. Forewings are ash grey with darker veins, margins and three transverse bands. Hindwings are white, grey fringed with a dark spot in the bottom left corner.

Larvae

First instars are dull green. Final instars reach 40 mm in length with variable coloured body, varying from dull bluish grey to black. Red patches of hairs are present on the top of each abdominal segment. The head is black.

Eggs

Laid in masses covered with tuft scales on the lower part of trees.

Distribution

North Africa, the Middle East and southern Europe.

Economic Host(s)

Pine (Pinus) and cedar (Cedrus)

Symptoms/Signs

Larvae form silken nests and feed on needles and twigs close to the nest causing browning and yellowing of needles. Larvae leave the tree in a line to locate a pupation site. Urticating hairs from the larvae cause irritation and allergic reactions in humans and pets

Generations:

1