Ponderosa Pine Budworm

Ponderosa pine budworms are common pests of the Colorado’s or New Mexico’s ponderosa pines. The species is also referred to as the sugar-pine tortrix and the pine budworm, and it’s released to the western spruce budworm, which is also found in Colorado. Here’s all you need to know about the pests.

What Are Ponderosa Pine Budworms?

When adults, the budworms are small, golden moths. However, it’s the caterpillar stage that causes the majority of the damage to trees. It takes a year for the eggs to turn into the moths, and you will usually see the moths in July/August. You may notice the eggs, as they appear on pine needles as small clusters. It’s when the eggs hatch that the caterpillars seek protection from branches and twigs from both predators and the weather.
During April and May, you may see the caterpillars emerge. This is when they start feeding on the leaves and buds that are just developing. They will keep feeding while the foliage develops, before building their cocoons for their transformations. The pupae will develop around the now-damaged foliage, where the pests continue to eat until they turn into moths.
What Damage Do They Cause?
The damage is usually due to eating too much new foliage from the tree. If just one cycle, the tree won’t suffer, but this can happen for several years so the leaves and foliage can’t grow through. You’ll know if there is a pest problem, as the crowns on trees are thin with branches bare at the very end. The outbreak of the pest is a growing concern.
There are natural predators and environmental factors to keep the pests under control, but there are some persistent outbreaks. Some use of insecticides is needed to help areas with large outbreaks of the pests.