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National & World Ag News Headlines |
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Gypsy Moth Numbers Rising in Southern Michigan
USAgNet - 06/13/2019
Gypsy moths are an invasive species, a term for non-native pests that can cause harm to native species and ecosystems. In its caterpillar life stage, the insect caused widespread defoliation in Michigan from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. A large
population in 2018 has led to more caterpillars hatching this spring.
Current defoliation is heaviest in Barry, Ionia and Washtenaw counties, but Department of Natural Resources forest health experts say it's likely that gypsy moth caterpillars are causing similar problems on a local scale in other areas of the Lower
Peninsula. Heavy defoliation likely will become visible within the next few weeks in localized outbreak areas and persist through mid-July.
"Gypsy moths rarely kill trees in Michigan," said James Wieferich, DNR forest health specialist. "Only stressed trees suffering from problems like drought, old age or root damage are at high risk. In most cases, gypsy moth caterpillars are more of a
nuisance in residential areas than in the woods."
Defoliation most often occurs in the season following a drought-heavy year, such as 2016, 2017 and the summer of 2018. Many forest pests tend to target trees that are weakened -- perhaps from drought -- or otherwise not in the best of health.
The leaf-eating caterpillars are hairy, up to 2 inches long and have a pattern of blue and dark red spots. Male moths are dark buff in color and fly; females are white with black, wavy markings and do not fly.
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