Black-arched tussock moth - Lymantria monacha
Effective: January 1, 2021
Taxonomic Position: Lepidoptera : Lymantriidae
Pest Type: Insects
Pest Code (NAPIS): ITAXAKA
This pest is a member of the following surveys: Asian Defoliator
These Approved Methods are appropriate for: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
Pest Information
CAPS Pest Datasheet: https://download.ceris.purdue.edu/file/1837
Pest Tracker: https://pesttracker.org/pest/ITAXAKA
Hosts Identified in the CAPS Host Matrix:
Fir; Larch; Pine; Spruce
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 | 108 - Paper Delta Trap, 2 sticky sides, Brown | 3001 - General Trapping Procedure |
| Trap | 110 - Paper Delta Trap, 2 sticky sides, Green | 3001 - General Trapping Procedure |
| Trap | 109 - Paper Delta Trap, 2 sticky sides, Orange | 3001 - General Trapping Procedure |
| Trap | 101 - Large Plastic Delta Trap Kits, Orange | 3001 - General Trapping Procedure |
| Trap | 102 - Large Plastic Delta Trap Kits, Red | 3001 - General Trapping Procedure |
| Trap | 103 - Large Plastic Delta Trap Kits, White | 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:
The lure (a flex tube or laminate dispenser) should be stapled to the inside of the trap on the non-sticky area.
Trap should be used with ends open. Trap color is up to the State and does not affect trap efficacy.
Trap should be used with ends open. Trap color is up to the State and does not affect trap efficacy.
Approved Lure(s)
| NAPIS Code | Product | Dispenser | Effectiveness | Compound(s) | 32 | Lymantria monacha Lure, 3 Compound | flex tube | 84 days | disparlure monachalure 2me-Z7-18Hy |
33 | Lymantria monacha Lure, 1 Compound | laminate strip | 84 days | disparlure |
|---|
Lure Attachment:
IMPORTANT: Do not include lures for other target species in the trap when surveying for this target.
Lure Notes:
IMPORTANT: The three-component lure inhibits Lymantria dispar dispar (European gypsy moth); therefore, this lure should be used for surveys in areas with established European gypsy moth populations to reduce large catches of European gypsy moth.
In addition, the three-component lure has been shown to have higher nun moth captures in European populations. Therefore, the three-component lure may be more effective at detecting moths coming from European populations (i.e., in the Eastern United States and other areas along this pathway of introduction).
The one-component lure should only be used in areas without established European gypsy moth populations. The one-component and three-component lures are equally effective at detecting Asian populations; therefore, the one-component lure is acceptable for use in states that would expect the pathway of nun moth to be from Asia.
Lance (2006) states that L. monacha traps should not be assembled at the same time and space as L. dispar lures. They should also be transported separately to prevent cross contamination as L. monacha lure components are potent inhibitors of male L. dispar.
In addition, the three-component lure has been shown to have higher nun moth captures in European populations. Therefore, the three-component lure may be more effective at detecting moths coming from European populations (i.e., in the Eastern United States and other areas along this pathway of introduction).
The one-component lure should only be used in areas without established European gypsy moth populations. The one-component and three-component lures are equally effective at detecting Asian populations; therefore, the one-component lure is acceptable for use in states that would expect the pathway of nun moth to be from Asia.
Lance (2006) states that L. monacha traps should not be assembled at the same time and space as L. dispar lures. They should also be transported separately to prevent cross contamination as L. monacha lure components are potent inhibitors of male L. dispar.
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:
Morphological. Adults should be identified by a taxonomist with expertise in the Lymantriidae family.
Mistaken Identities:
Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth) and Panthea coenobita.
References
If you are unable to find a reference, contact STCAPS@usda.gov. See the CAPS Pest Datasheet for all references.