Spongy Moth
Spongy Moth
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ID:
Spongy moths use chewing mouthparts to defoliate a wide variety of tree species. Female spongy moths lay eggs in small orange patches that have a layer of light fuzz. Caterpillars of this species get to 3.5 inches long. They share many similarities to native tent caterpillars, but do not create tent formations. Caterpillars are extensively hairy, with 5 pairs of blue dots and 6 pairs of orange dots.
Moths are sexually dimorphic. Male moths are darker in color and tend to be smaller than their female counterparts. Female moths are larger than males, but are flightless. They are white to cream, and have several grey markings.
Signs and Symptoms:
Spongy moth caterpillars can defoliate trees quickly if not properly managed. Oaks are preferred species of spongy moth, but can infest a variety of hard and softwood species. Caterpillars use chewing mouthparts to defoliate leaves, starting off with small holes and eventually the entire leaf in later instars. Defoliation can cause twig dieback, as the tree flushes after initial damage. Larvae produce large amounts of excrement, which is noticeable in urban settings. Caterpillars have irritating hairs that may cause allergic breakouts to humans.
Spread and Impacts:
Introduced to the US in 1869 to start silk production in America it eventually escaped captivity, creating populations in Massachusetts. It has spread to many states in the eastern and midwestern United States. It has defoliated millions of acres causing economic damage in many industries. No populations have been established in Kentucky, but many sightings are reported every year. The national Slow the Spread program has been helping stop the moth from infesting new regions.
Control:
Programs such as Slow the Spread have helped keep spongy moths in the northeast and mid Atlantic states. Common methods to control this pest include pheromone traps, which attract and trap insects. As well as burlap banding, which traps larvae on the trunk of the tree. Biotic control has been implemented as well, through microbial introduction.
