Pest profile

Holly Bud Moth

Rhopobota naevana · Lepidoptera: Tortricidae[2]

Holly bud moth larvae roll and web the new leaves of holly, distorting the growing tips; the same insect, called blackheaded fireworm, also feeds on cranberry and blueberry.[1]

Holly bud moth, a small moth mottled brown and silvery white, on a leaf
Holly bud moth, a small moth mottled brown and silvery white, on a leaf. (c) ingridaltmann, some rights reserved (CC BY) — via iNaturalist, CC BY 4.0

How to identify it

  • Adults are mottled brown and silver moths with a wingspan of about 1/2 inch.[1]
  • Larvae are greenish brown with dark heads and about 1/2 inch long.[1]

Where it lives

The PNW Insect Management Handbook covers it on landscape holly and in commercial holly orchards; it also feeds on cranberry, blueberry, apple and cherry.[1]

US map: public records from 13 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

Overwintering eggs hatch in spring; larvae feed first on buds, then roll leaves and hold them with webbing.[1]

Mature larvae drop to pupate in the duff; second-generation females lay single eggs under leaves, and those larvae appear by late July.[1]

There are two generations a year.[1]

Damage and signs

  • Rolled, webbed leaves leave distorted tip growth, though in landscapes natural enemies usually keep the damage barely noticeable.[1]

Health risk

It feeds on plants; the PNW Insect Management Handbook mentions no risk to people.[1]

Control

Prevention

Watch new growth as it starts, when larvae begin tying leaves together.[1]

Traps and physical control

Hand-pick larvae in rolled leaves; once larvae are established and before they pupate, shear trees and hedges and destroy the clippings.[1]

Pesticides

Don't spray holly in bloom; the handbook times any insecticide for when new growth is about 1/4 inch long, before blossoms open.[1]

Common questions

What is rolling and webbing the new leaves on my holly?
Likely holly bud moth larvae, which roll leaves and tie them with webbing.[1]
When should I deal with holly bud moth?
At the first sign of new growth, when larvae start tying leaves; never spray holly in bloom.[1]

Sources

  1. Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks (OSU, WSU, University of Idaho), “Holly (Ilex): Holly bud moth (Insect Management Handbook).” pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/hosts-pests-landscape-plants/holly-ilex-holly-bud-moth (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. iNaturalist, “Rhopobota naevana taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/324275 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-14. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.