Spruce Needle Miner damage Michigan State University Extension Service	Spruce Needle Miner damage Michigan State University Extension Service

The insect overwinters as a larva inside a mined out needle. It emerges in the spring, feeds briefly and then pupates. The adult moths emerge in May and June. The female lays eggs at the base of a needle. The larvae hatch out and and enters a needle and mines it out. When the needle is mined out the larva cuts it off and goes to another. Feeding continues until the first frost. 

The most obvious symptom is the browned, cut off needles that are webbed to each other. Close examination of the needles will reveal them to be hollowed out. 

Controls include Orthene or Diazinon. 

Information provided by the Michigan State University Extension Service