Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 May 2012
The cherry scallop shell moth, Hydria prunivorata (Ferguson), is a colonial feeder on black cherry, Prunus serotina Ehrh. Pupae overwinter in the litter and adult emergence occurs from May through September. Eggs are laid on the foliage in pyramidal-shaped masses 23–26 days after adult emergence. Eggs begin to hatch 4 days following oviposition and each of the four larval stages lasts 4–6 days. There is one generation per year in New York. The egg parasite Telenomus sp. is the principal mortality factor occurring in populations that have remained at outbreak levels for 2 or more years. The life stages of H. prunivorata are described and control recommendations discussed. The peach bark beetle, Phloeotribus liminaris (Harris), may kill black cherry trees that are stressed by heavy defoliation.