Flighted spongy moth complex - Lymantria postalba
Effective: January 15, 2014
Taxonomic Position: Lepidoptera : Lymantriidae
Pest Type: Insects
Pest Code (NAPIS): ITAXQLA
This pest is a member of the following surveys: Asian Defoliator
These Approved Methods are appropriate for: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
Pest Information
CAPS Pest Datasheet: https://download.ceris.purdue.edu/file/2358
Pest Tracker: https://pesttracker.org/pest/ITAXQLA
Human and Animal Pathogens Transmitted:
Not known to transmit any human or animal pathogens.
Pest Pathogens and Organisms Vectored:
Not known to vector any pathogens or other associated organisms.
Survey
Approved Method(s)
| Method | Detail | NAPIS Survey Method |
|---|---|---|
| Trap | 110 - Paper Delta Trap, 2 sticky sides, Green | 3001 - General Trapping Procedure |
| Trap | 108 - Paper Delta Trap, 2 sticky sides, Brown | 3001 - General Trapping Procedure |
| Trap | 109 - Paper Delta Trap, 2 sticky sides, Orange | 3001 - General Trapping Procedure |
| Trap | 9 - Milk Carton Trap | 3001 - General Trapping Procedure |
Trap Spacing:
When trapping for more than one species of moth, separate traps for different moth species by at least 20 meters (65 feet).
Method Notes:
Paper delta trap:
Delta traps are used outside of areas that are generally infested with Spongy moth (L. dispar dispar), where catch is expected to be less than 10 moths per trap. The lure should be stapled inside the trap, to one of the non-sticky panels. The ends of the trap should be folded in. Trap color is up to the State and does not affect trap efficacy.
Milk carton trap:
The standard milk carton trap has a much higher capacity and should be used in areas where populations of Spongy moth are established. The lure is typically stapled to a long garden tie that is, in turn, stapled to the inside of the trap at the top so that the lure hangs more or less in the center of the trap. A killing agent, a DDVP strip, is required for milk cartons traps. The DDVP strip should be stapled to the garden tie below the lure.
Trap Placement:
Traps should be hung in the immediate vicinity of preferred host trees. Milk carton traps should be hung using a string, tied to a branch of a host tree. Delta traps are most effective when attached directly to the bole of a host tree. If no host tree is available, another vertical surface such as a telephone pole can be used to hang the trap. Never hang the traps on branch tips.
Delta traps are used outside of areas that are generally infested with Spongy moth (L. dispar dispar), where catch is expected to be less than 10 moths per trap. The lure should be stapled inside the trap, to one of the non-sticky panels. The ends of the trap should be folded in. Trap color is up to the State and does not affect trap efficacy.
Milk carton trap:
The standard milk carton trap has a much higher capacity and should be used in areas where populations of Spongy moth are established. The lure is typically stapled to a long garden tie that is, in turn, stapled to the inside of the trap at the top so that the lure hangs more or less in the center of the trap. A killing agent, a DDVP strip, is required for milk cartons traps. The DDVP strip should be stapled to the garden tie below the lure.
Trap Placement:
Traps should be hung in the immediate vicinity of preferred host trees. Milk carton traps should be hung using a string, tied to a branch of a host tree. Delta traps are most effective when attached directly to the bole of a host tree. If no host tree is available, another vertical surface such as a telephone pole can be used to hang the trap. Never hang the traps on branch tips.
Approved Lure(s)
| NAPIS Code | Product | Dispenser | Effectiveness | Compound(s) | 19 | Spongy Moth Laminate Lure | laminate | 84 days | disparlure |
20 | Spongy Moth String Lure | string dispenser | 180 days | disparlure |
|---|
Lure Attachment:
IMPORTANT: Do not include lures for other target species in the trap when surveying for this target.
Lure Notes:
01/30/14:
The length of effectiveness for the Spongy Moth String Lure has been revised from 84 days (12 weeks) to 180 days (6 months). The Spongy Moth Laminate Lure is still effective for 84 days (12 weeks).
For 2014 surveys:
If it is appropriate for your climate/ planned survey season, please use the Spongy Moth String Lures for the full 180 days. If you ordered the string lures based on the 84 day length of effectiveness and have excess lures, please store the excess lures in unopened packages in a freezer for the next season. The lures may be stored for two years if stored in a freezer below 0�F.
In future years, if using the Spongy Moth String Lure, please plan your surveys based on the revised length of effectiveness.
The length of effectiveness for the Spongy Moth String Lure has been revised from 84 days (12 weeks) to 180 days (6 months). The Spongy Moth Laminate Lure is still effective for 84 days (12 weeks).
For 2014 surveys:
If it is appropriate for your climate/ planned survey season, please use the Spongy Moth String Lures for the full 180 days. If you ordered the string lures based on the 84 day length of effectiveness and have excess lures, please store the excess lures in unopened packages in a freezer for the next season. The lures may be stored for two years if stored in a freezer below 0�F.
In future years, if using the Spongy Moth String Lure, please plan your surveys based on the revised length of effectiveness.
Survey Recommendations
The following are recommendations for executing the survey using the approved methods for pest surveillance. The recommendations are developed through literature review and consultation with subject matter experts.
Key Diagnostic or Identification
Approved Method(s)
ID/Diagnostic:
Molecular: The PPQ policy as stated in the Spongy Moth Program Manual is that the APHIS PPQ Forest Pest Methods Laboratory (FPML) (formerly known as Otis Laboratory) will receive all suspect Spongy moth specimens. FPML will use DNA analysis to identify the specimens.
For sample submission guidance see Appendix C in the Spongy Moth Program Manual
For all inquiries regarding spongy moth diagnostics contact: lymantria.diagnostics@usda.gov.
For sample submission guidance see Appendix C in the Spongy Moth Program Manual
For all inquiries regarding spongy moth diagnostics contact: lymantria.diagnostics@usda.gov.
Mistaken Identities:
Lymantria dispar dispar (Spongy moth)
References
If you are unable to find a reference, contact STCAPS@usda.gov. See the CAPS Pest Datasheet for all references.