Orange tortrix

You will find small reddish-orange caterpillars rolling or folding leaves of their host plants and feeding within the shelter. Adult moths are orange to tan with distinctive wing markings and appear in spring. Larvae are tan to green and cause leaf distortion and binding. Host plants in Western Washington include Oregon grape, Japanese holly, and various ornamental shrubs susceptible to this generalist leaf-roller.

Remove rolled leaves by hand during the growing season if populations are light. Prune heavily infested shoots to reduce damage and improve appearance. Time spray applications for late spring when larvae are binding leaves. Encourage parasitic wasps by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides.