taftw's Identifications

This series of images shows what is believed to be an infestation of the Sequoia pitch moth in three Ponderosa pine trees in the garden. Included here are a larva specimen and empty pupal cases, all of which were found in pitch masses. To date, no adults have been documented in the garden.

Images 4-6 show empty pupal cases protruding from the pitch.

A pitch mass was gently worked open. Image 7 shows the entire empty pupal case within the interior of the pitch. Image 8 shows the part of the case that was protruding out from the pitch. Image 9 shows the end portion of the case (furthest from the opening to outside).

Image 10 is a mystery that I hope someone will explain. These are markings on the interior of the pupal case.