Strawberry Crown Moth

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Common names: Strawberry Crown Moth

Scientific name: Synanthedon bibionipennis

Region: This Caterpillar is found throughout North America.

Life cycle: This insect produces one generation each year and the larvae overwinters in strawberry crowns.

Physical Description: This 1/2 inch long caterpillar is white to yellow or pink with a brown head.  The adult moth is black and yellow with clear wings that span 1 inch.  The eggs are laid on the underside of the lower leaves in midsummer.

Feeding characteristics: This pest attacks blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry plants by boring into the crowns causing the foliage to yellow.  This damage can weaken an older plant and kill a young transplanted plant.

Controls: Remove the infested plants and destroy them.  The best time to do this is early spring.

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