Shield Bearer

On arbutus (madrone) trees in Western Washington, the shield bearer larva creates small dark areas on the upper leaf surface. When ready to pupate, larvae cut two oval pieces from upper and lower leaf surfaces, stitch them together with silk to form a protective case, and move with this case to a sheltered location for pupation.

This damage is almost entirely cosmetic on established trees and rarely requires intervention. Tolerate leaf damage; the loss does not significantly impact tree health. Selective pruning of affected branches during dormancy maintains appearance without harm. No chemical control justified.