Gypsy Moth An Exotic Species A Real Problem

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Gypsy Moth An Exotic Species A Real Problem

• By Ms. B. Filipow

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Objectives

• To understand stages of the Gypsy Moths
  lifecycle and be able to identify the stage that
  heavily impacts the environment.
• Know history of Gypsy Moth Spread in the United
  States.
• Understand the impacts that the species has on
  trees, the environment and people.
• Identify tree species most susceptible to damage.
• To briefly examine some efforts to control this
  exotic species.

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All Life Stages
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Larvae (Caterpillars)

• Begin hatching from eggs in late April and early
  May
• Tiny, black larvae climb to the tops of trees
• Some disperse by spinning silk, catching the
  wind, and ballooning
• Small larvae feed during the day and rest at
  night, older larvae feed at night and rest during
  the day

• Larvae feed on leaves for about 6 8 weeks

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Look-Alike Caterpillars
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History

• Trouvelot, Bedford, Massachusetts
• 1869 egg masses brought from Europe to cross
  breed with native silkworms
• Escaped out the window
• Slowly expanding west
• Suppress but not eradicate

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Introduction Site
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Spread in the U.S.
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Projected Spread Without Action
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Gypsy MothImpact on Treesand the Environment
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Gypsy Moth Impact on TreesFactors Affecting
Tree Mortality

• Tree species
• Some tree species are more preferred by gypsy
  moth
• Tree age
• Old trees and newly planted trees may have less
  capacity to respond to defoliation
• Intensity and frequency of defoliation
• Consecutive years of heavy defoliation (greater
  than 50 - 60) can significantly stress trees

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Gypsy Moth Impact on TreesFactors Affecting
Tree Mortality

• Physiological condition of trees
• Trees already stressed by other factors have less
  capacity to recover from severe defoliation
• Secondary invaders (e.g. insect borers, root rot
  fungi)
• Secondary invaders target stressed trees
• They may take advantage of trees weakened by
  gypsy moth defoliation(s)
• Secondary invaders are often the ultimate cause
  of tree death

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Trees Most Preferred by Gypsy Moth

• Aspen
• Apples and crabapples
• Basswood
• American beech
• Birches
• Blue spruce
• Hawthorn
• Hazelnut

• Linden
• Mountainash
• Oaks
• Poplar
• Serviceberry
• Sweetgum
• Witchhazel
• White pine

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Trees Least Preferred by Gypsy Moth

• Little Feeding
• Sugar maple
• Red maple
• Walnut
• Hickory
• Elm

• No Feeding
• Ash
• Silver maple
• Tuliptree (yellow poplar)
• Dogwood
• Sycamore
• Redbud
• Honeylocust
• Black locust
• Buckeye

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Tips for Maintaining and Enhancing the Health of
Trees

• Plant selection consider less preferred species
• Practice proper planting techniques
• Apply mulch but do it right
• Water appropriately during periods of drought
• Apply fertilizer right amount (soil test),
  right time
• Remember your roots avoid soil compaction and
  construction injury
• Use proper pruning techniques
• Manage other pests

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Forest During Outbreak
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Defoliation During Outbreak
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Gypsy Moth Impact on the Forest Environment

• Increased light and temperature on the forest
  floor
• Changes in plant communities
• Negative effects on wildlife
• Decreased water quality
• Altered nutrient cycles
• Increased woody debris and snags

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Gypsy Moth Impact on Water Quality

• Increased light to water surfaces
• Increased water temperatures
• Increased nitrate levels

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Gypsy Moth Impact on People

• Nuisance
• Feeding debris and fecal pellets (frass) dropping
  onto decks, outdoor furniture, camp sites, etc.
• Allergen
• Tiny hairs from the caterpillars can irritate the
  skin of some people.
• Loss in recreational activities and opportunities
• Tree mortality can reduce the appeal of parks

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Gypsy Moth Impact on People

• Reduced property / timber values
• Tree mortality can change landscape and timber
  values
• Conflict / emotion
• A perceived lack of direct control of the problem
  can cause anxiety
• Conflicting opinions on management approaches

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• Situation Goal
• Colonizing Eradication and
• Slow the Spread
• Established Reduce rate of
• increase
• Out Break Suppress population
• below damaging levels

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Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Chemical
• Insecticides
• Mating disruption pheromones
• Biological
• Pathogens
• Predators parasitoids
• Cultural
• Plant Health Care (PHC)
• Mechanical
• Quarantine
• More information on this subject can be found in
  the gypsy moth manual

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Explore more on your own at any of the following
sites

• USDA FOREST SERVICE GYPSY MOTH INFORMATION PAGE
• Invasivespecies.gov website
• Michigan's Gypsy Moth Education Webpage

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References

• http//blm.gov/education/learninglandscapes.invasi
  vespecies.htmDOI. Bureau of Land Management.
• http//michigan.govMichigan Department of
  Environmental Quality.
• http//dnr.gov/invasives/pubsWisconsin
  Department of Natural Resources.

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References Continued

• http//ei.cornell.edu/pubs/ie.asp
• National Science TeachersAssociation Press (Oct
  2002)
• http//ei.cornell.edu/ecology/invspec/
• Cornell University. Environmental Inquiry.

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About the Author

• Bethany Filipow
• B.S. Environmental Geography from Ohio University
  (Athens, OH)
• Director of Waggoner Road Middle School Latchkey
  Program