(Eastern) Hemlock Looper damage is visible on conifers during epidemics in late July and early August. The trees turn a reddish colour, which is very characteristic of hemlock looper outbreaks. Needles damaged by feeding larvae dry out, turn red and drop in the fall.

Hemlock looper outbreaks develop and subside very suddenly. They spread quickly and can cause the death of balsam firs in the first year that damage is detected.

There are four or five larval stages, depending on the region of Canada. When mature, the larvae look for a pupation site. During heavy infestations, trees are covered with silk strands produced by the larvae as they descend the tree trunks in search of food or pupation sites.











The insect has only one generation a year and over winters in the adult stage.

Native to North America, the hemlock looper has destroyed several million hectares of conifer forests in eastern Canada over the years. Between 1910 and 1975, hemlock looper outbreaks caused timber losses estimated at 12 million cubic meters in Newfoundland and 24 million cubic meters in Quebec. Since then, infestations in the Lower St. Lawrence, Gaspe Peninsula, Anticosti Island and, most recently, the North Shore, have also resulted in timber losses.

For more information about (Eastern) Hemlock Looper visit Natural Resources Canada

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