Omnivorous leaftier

You will see Strawberry tree leaves tied or rolled with silk webbing produced by small caterpillars feeding within. Larvae are pale with brown or tan heads. Heavily infested foliage appears damaged and webbed. This tying moth is specialized to Mediterranean Arbutus unedo, an evergreen ornamental with red fruits. Damage is primarily cosmetic and concentrated on new growth in spring and early summer.

Remove webbed leaves by hand when present. This is a localized pest on Strawberry tree and requires control only if aesthetics are a priority. No chemical treatment is typically justified. Maintain Strawberry tree vigor through proper irrigation and well-drained soil. Natural enemies parasitize larvae. Most trees tolerate tying moth populations without health impact.