Pikonema alaskensis attacks and kills young open-growth spruce, preferring new foliage. All native species and some exotics are attacked. It occurs in Alaska, Canada, and northern U. S. Male larvae, cocoons, and adults are smaller than those of [female][female]. Eggs are laid on slits in needles when new growth is 1 inch long. Larvae feed for a month. Winter is passed in cocoons in mineral soil. There is 1 generation. Trichogramma minutum parasitizes the eggs; Bessa selecta, Monoblastus sp., and 2 spp. of Ichneutes parasitize the larvae. Pb arsenate 4100 plus 16 ounces linseed oil controls this insect. One spraying in plantations should allow injured trees to grow beyond the chance of being killed.