Eggs (usually one to five per leaf) are deposited singly on the underside of the leaf
along the midrib. The young larvae hatch in about 4 days, mine into the leaf, and feed between the
two leaf surfaces. At this stage the leaf appears to have blisters on it; if it is held up to the light,
the larva may be seen inside. When about one third grown, the larva emerges, moves to the tip of
a new leaf, and rolls it up for protection while feeding and growing. When nearly grown, the larva
rolls up the margin of a leaf and spins a cocoon inside. The moth emerges from the cocoon,
mates, and deposits eggs for another generation. Development takes about 6 weeks. Under
greenhouse conditions the larva may be found anytime during the year. Outdoors, the insect
overwinters as a larva or pupa. Adults appear and females begin to lay eggs about the time azaleas
bloom in the spring.
CONTROL
Because the larva protects itself by mining into and rolling the leaf, this insect is not easy to
control. Chemical control is possible if applied at the first sign either of the moths or of foliar
injury by the larvae. One or two applications, I to 2 weeks apart should give adequate
suppression. For chemical control recommendations, consult the current Cooperative Extension
Service publications on ornamental plant pest management.
