Casuarina tussock moth - Lymantria xylina
Effective: August 13, 2013
Taxonomic Position: Lepidoptera : Lymantriidae
Pest Type: Insects
Pest Code (NAPIS): ITAXAQA
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/2228
Pest Tracker: https://pesttracker.org/pest/ITAXAQA
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 109 - Paper Delta Trap, 2 sticky sides, Orange 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:
Trap should be used with ends open. Trap color is up to the State and does not affect trap efficacy.

Recommended trap service schedule:
  • Every two weeks: Check traps to collect samples.

  • Every month: Replace the traps, as the sticky surface becomes covered with dust, leaves, etc.

Approved Lure(s)
NAPIS Code Product Dispenser Effectiveness Compound(s)
62 Lymantria xylina Lure polypropylene vial 30 days Xylinalure
Lure Attachment:

Attaching lures to traps

IMPORTANT: Do not include lures for other target species in the trap when surveying for this target.

Lure Notes:
Starting in late 2024, the lure dispenser is transitioning from a string dispenser to a sealed clear plastic vial dispenser.

The lure is contained in a sealed polypropylene vial loaded with 1 mg of L. xylina pheromone and will last for 1 month in the field with a two-year expiration date when stored in a freezer. The vials need to stay sealed (lids are glued in place) and not punctured. The vials will appear empty but they do contain the described amount of pheromone.

The pheromone will slowly be released through the wall of the plastic vial when it is deployed with the Paper Delta Trap. Each vial has a little loop for hanging in or onto the trap. The lure will be shipped in packets containing 5 polypropylene vials. The packets will have a clear label stating the date of manufacture, field duration, expiration date and a notice not to open or puncture the vial when it is deployed in the field. The MSDS Sheet is posted on the CAPS R&C Site: Xylinalure MSDS

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.
Climate Suitability Map:

A Climate suitability map is now available. This survey should only be considered in the states with appropriate climate conditions and suitable hosts for this moth.

The map was produced by the SAFARIS Team. SAFARIS is a modeling framework that enables PPQ to quickly respond to emergencies, efficiently survey for pests, and assess potential pest impacts by collecting critical geospatial data and developing predictive models. SAFARIS is developed and maintained by the NC State University, Center for Integrated Pest Management (CIPM) with support from the PPQ-S&T Plant Pest Risk Analysis (PPRA) Laboratory.

The SAFARIS team used a climate suitability model for Casuarina tussock moth occurrence in the continental United States to support CAPS survey planning. The model predicts the suitability of an area for this occurrence based on the likelihood of three favorable climate conditions for the disease occurring using tools and data within SAFARIS. The detailed method used in this assessment is described here.

Key Diagnostic or Identification

Approved Method(s)
ID/Diagnostic:
Morphological. When sorting non-target Lymantriidae from trap collections, use Ferguson (1978).

Ferguson, D. C. 1978. Noctuoidea (in part): Lymantriidae. Fasc. 22.2. In R. B. Dominick et al. The Moths of America North of Mexico.
Mistaken Identities:
Lymantria xylina may be confused with other Lymantria species including Lymantria apicebrunea.
Guides
Sample Submission Guidance for Lepidoptera
References

If you are unable to find a reference, contact STCAPS@usda.gov. See the CAPS Pest Datasheet for all references.