Forages: European Skipper (Thymelicus lineola)

Excerpt from Chapter 3, Field Crop Protection Guide, Order this publication

Table of Contents

1. Description
2. Integrated Pest Management Options
• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) – Dipel 2X DF, Thuricide HPC
3. Related links...

Description

The skipper is a sporadic pest of timothy, both in hay and seed production. The adult is a pumpkin-orange butterfly with a 2.5-cm wing spread that skips about hay fields in midsummer. Mature larvae are light green, approximately 2.5 cm in length and have brown heads with two light bands. Younger larvae have black heads that eventually turn brown. Larvae can usually be found within rolled leaves where they feed.

Integrated Pest Management Options

If 6-8 caterpillars in a 30-cm x 30-cm area are found as early as the brown-headed stage, treat the field or the infested area. See OMAFRA Publication 811, Agronomy Guide for Field Crops, for scouting procedures.

Comments (Days to harvest, label precautions, etc.)
Timothy only. 0 days to cutting or grazing

Related links...

• Agronomy Guide for Field Crops - Publication 811
  • Forages: European Skipper
• Insects
• Forages