Zimmerman Pine Moth (Dioryctria zimmermani)
The Zimmerman pine moth is a member of the family of snout moths. As their name suggests, these moths, in their larval form are infamous for infesting pine trees mainly in the mid-west United States.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Pyralidae
- Genus: Dioryctria
- Scientific Name: Dioryctria zimmermani
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The larvae range from pink to green and are 25 mm long. Their heads are dark brown, and their bodies are covered with dark spots.
These caterpillars cause maximum damage to the pine trees, mainly the stressed or damaged ones, by tunneling through the branches and trunks.
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Pupa
After maturing, the larvae begin to pupate around mid-July to late August. They reach up to 18 mm in length.
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Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present but not prominent.
Color and Appearance
Forewing: When opened, the wings are a combination of gray and reddish-brown, marked with light or dark zigzag lines. When the wings are closed, the color and pattern remain unchanged.
Hindwing: When the wings are opened, they are yellowish-white. When closed, the forewings are barely visible.
Average wingspan: 25-38 mm
Flight pattern: Erratic
Season: Late July to August
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Egg
Once the mating season ends, females lay up to 80 eggs on the bark of the host plant.
Quick Facts
| Distribution | East of the Rocky Mountains |
| Habitat | Mountainous areas |
| Lifespan of Adults | Not recorded |
| Host Plants | Austrian and Scots pines; also, Eastern white and mugo pines |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- British entomologist Augustus Radcliffe Grote first described this species in 1877.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Pyralidae
- Genus: Dioryctria
- Scientific Name: Dioryctria zimmermani
