Cedar Tree Bugs

(Question)

Wondering if you could help identify this bug I am seeing on our cedar trees.
They are kind of long and skinny, almost shiny whitish silver, but also have black lines horizontal on their body- darker on the rear. Are these a concern for damage?
Thank you for your assistance!

(Answer)

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you but we wanted to be completely sure we had the correct I.D. for your mystery bug.

After checking in with the Toronto Entomologists’ Association, we can positively say the bug on your cedars is an Arborvitae leafminer, Argyresthia thuiella.  This is a native species, where the caterpillars feed on eastern white cedar so yes, they are a concern for damage to your trees.

I’m attaching a link to a site that will give you more information on this pest but, as this is an American website, the treatment options may differ due to current country, state and provincial pesticide laws.  Therefore, we advise you to contact a certified arborist to see what the recommendations allow in your circumstances.

Arborvitae Leafminer | NC State Extension Publications (ncsu.edu)

Hope this helps.

June 30, 2021