The last outbreak occurred in the Flagstaff vicinity in the mid 1980's, though the insect has been detected at low levels at other times. Past experience and research indicates that the damage caused by this insect is mainly unsightly, significant tree mortality has not been observed. While it is certainly possible that some trees already weakened by other circumstances could succumb, we think that most trees will recover from this episode. Ponderosa pine needle miner is a tiny moth. The only host is ponderosa pine.
Damage is caused by the the caterpillars, which feed inside pine needles.
The life cycle lasts one year. Larvae hatch in the fall and bore into needles where they overwinter. Feeding resumes in spring and continues until the larvae mature and pupate in late spring early summer. Most mined needles fall in autumn after adult emergence. Infested trees typically have reddish-brown cast which is distributed throughout the crown.