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Grapeleaf skeletonizer (Harrisina americana) larvae are yellow with transverse bands of black dots. Young larvae feed on undersides of leaves, eating through some leaf layers, but not all. This gives the leaf a skeletonized appearance; affected areas later become necrotic (dead). Older larvae eat completely through leaves.

Young grapeleaf skeletonizer larvae.

(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)

Injury resulting from grapeleaf skeletonizer larvae.

(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)

Older grapeleaf skeletonizer larvae.

(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)

Grapeleaf skeletonizer adult (moth).

(Photo: David Cappaert, Bugwood.org)

Management:

• Apply insecticides (especially early-season applications to control primary insect pests) if populations are high.
• This pest rarely reaches damaging levels.

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