Forest-pest
Guides
Euwallacea similis
ambrosia beetle
Euwallacea similis is a small ambrosia beetle (2.2–2.7 mm) native to South and Southeast Asia and Australia, now globally distributed through human trade in timber and wood commodities. It colonizes stressed, cut, or recently dead host trees rather than healthy living trees, distinguishing it from related invasive species like E. fornicatus. The species exhibits haplodiploid sex determination and inbreeding polygyny, with females farming symbiotic Fusarium fungi in wood galleries. First recorded in the Iberian Peninsula in 2025, it is considered a high-risk quarantine pest due to its polyphagous habits and potential to vector pathogenic fungi.
ambrosia-beetleinvasive-specieshaplodiploidfungal-symbiosisforest-pestxyleboriniquarantine-pestwood-boring-beetleglobal-trade-vectorcryptic-species-complexsecondary-borercrepuscularlight-attractedfusarium-symbiontparthenogenesisinbreeding-polygynygenome-sequencedchromosome-fissioniberian-peninsula-introduction2025-range-expansionExenterus amictorius
Exenterus amictorius is an ichneumonid parasitoid wasp introduced to North America that attacks sawfly larvae (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae), particularly during the pre-spinning eonymph stage. The species exhibits adaptive host discrimination behavior that changes during the host's spinning period, lacks discrimination initially but rapidly acquires and maintains this ability. It shows strong positive density-dependent responses to host abundance and has established successfully on multiple diprionid hosts across North America. In multiparasitism situations with the native E. diprionis, E. amictorius consistently survives due to faster larval development.
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pinifoliella
pine needleminer, pine needle miner
Exoteleia pinifoliella is a gelechiid moth commonly known as the pine needleminer. Native to eastern North America, it is a persistent pest of hard pines, with larvae that mine within needles. The species exhibits strong site fidelity, with moths returning to the same trees to oviposit year after year, resulting in patchy, localized infestations in forest stands. It completes one generation annually.
Fiorinia externa
elongate hemlock scale
Fiorinia externa, the elongate hemlock scale, is an invasive armored scale insect native to Japan and southern China. Accidentally introduced to North America around 1908, it has become established throughout the northeastern United States and threatens hemlock (Tsuga) and related conifers. The species is a pupillarial scale, with adult females remaining within their second-instar exuviae. Heavy infestations cause yellowing, premature needle drop, branch dieback, and occasional tree death. It poses particular economic concern for Fraser fir Christmas tree production in the southeastern United States, where it can persist on harvested trees for up to 13 weeks post-harvest.
Gilpinia
conifer sawflies
Gilpinia is a genus of conifer sawflies in the family Diprionidae, comprising approximately 20 described species distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. Several species are significant forest pests, notably G. hercyniae (European spruce sawfly) and G. polytoma, which feed on spruce (Picea) species. The genus exhibits complex life history strategies including facultative diapause and variable voltinism (one to three generations annually) depending on geographic location and climate. Species identification relies heavily on morphological examination of the ovipositor, male genitalia, and wing coloration.
Gilpinia hercyniae
European Spruce Sawfly
Gilpinia hercyniae, the European spruce sawfly, is a defoliating pest of spruce trees native to Europe and introduced to North America. The species caused severe outbreaks in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States during the 1930s, with estimated timber losses of 10 million cubic metres. Populations subsequently declined due to natural viral disease and introduced biological control agents. The species exhibits arrhenotokous parthenogenesis, with males rarely encountered.
Glycobius
sugar maple borer
Glycobius is a monotypic genus of longhorned beetles (family Cerambycidae) containing the single species Glycobius speciosus, commonly known as the sugar maple borer. The species is native to eastern North America and is a specialist wood-borer whose larvae feed on sugar maple (Acer saccharum). Adults are active in spring and early summer.
Glycobius speciosus
Sugar Maple Borer
Glycobius speciosus, commonly known as the sugar maple borer, is a small longhorned beetle in the tribe Clytini. It is the sole species in its genus. The species is a specialist wood-borer whose larvae develop in living sugar maple trees, causing significant damage to the host. Adults are active in spring and early summer and are attracted to ethanol-based baits. The species is distributed across northeastern North America, from Canada through the northeastern United States.
Glypta
Glypta is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Ichneumonidae. Species are endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, particularly tortricid moths including spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) and related forest pests. Several species have been studied for their role in biological control of economically important forest insects. Adult females locate host larvae using chemical cues and oviposit eggs internally; parasitoid larvae develop within the host and kill it upon emergence.
Gnathotrichus materiarius
American utilizable wood bark beetle
Gnathotrichus materiarius is an ambrosia beetle native to North America that has been introduced to Europe, where it was first detected in France in 1933. It excavates galleries in coniferous sapwood and maintains an obligate symbiosis with the fungus Endomycopsis fasciculata, which adults inoculate into wood and which serves as the primary food source for both larvae and adults. In Central Europe, it completes two generations per year, with adult flight beginning in early May and F2 generation adults overwintering in wood. Despite nearly a century of presence in Europe and its association with economically important conifers including Picea and Pinus, it has not caused significant damage, functioning primarily as a secondary pest of decaying or previously infested trees.
Gnathotrichus retusus
western pinewood stainer
Gnathotrichus retusus, commonly known as the western pinewood stainer, is an ambrosia beetle in the family Curculionidae. It is primarily univoltine, with a minimum development time of 40 days from egg to adult in Douglas-fir logs. The species is known to reproduce in both Douglas-fir and western hemlock stumps. Flight activity is strongly crepuscular, with a major peak at dusk and a minor morning peak, regulated primarily by light intensity.
Gonipterus scutellatus
eucalyptus snout beetle, eucalyptus weevil, gum tree weevil
Gonipterus scutellatus is a weevil species endemic to Australia that feeds and breeds exclusively on Eucalyptus trees. It is greyish-brown with a light-colored transverse band and measures approximately 13 mm in length. The species is frequently confused with closely related weevils—G. gibberus, G. platensis, and G. pulverulentus—which share common names and were historically misidentified as G. scutellatus. Populations outside Australia previously attributed to this species have been reidentified through DNA analysis: those in New Zealand, North America, and western Europe are G. platensis, while African and eastern European populations represent an undescribed species.
Halysidota harrisii
Sycamore Tussock Moth, Sycamore Tiger Moth
Halysidota harrisii, commonly known as the sycamore tussock moth or sycamore tiger moth, is a species of tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It produces two generations annually and is closely associated with American sycamore trees. The species is notable for its distinctive hairy caterpillars with orange and white hair-pencils, and adults that are difficult to distinguish from the related Halysidota tessellaris.
Hyblaeidae
teak moths
Hyblaeidae is a family of moths containing approximately 18 species across two genera: Hyblaea (Old World tropics) and Torone (Neotropics). The family's phylogenetic position within Lepidoptera remains uncertain, with studies placing Hyblaeoidea as sister to Pyraloidea or alternatively grouping with Thyridoidea or butterflies. Males possess a specialized 'hair-pencil' on the hindleg. The family is economically significant due to Hyblaea puera, a major defoliator of teak and mangrove species.
Hyblaeoidea
Teak Moths
Hyblaeoidea is a small superfamily of moths in the order Lepidoptera, containing a single family Hyblaeidae with two genera (Hyblaea and Erythrochrus) and approximately 20 species. The superfamily has an uncertain phylogenetic position within the group Obtectomera, sometimes placed near Pyraloidea. Members are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The genus Hyblaea includes significant forest pests, notably Hyblaea puera, the teak defoliator.
Hylastes nigrinus
Hylastes nigrinus is a root-feeding bark beetle in the family Curculionidae (subfamily Scolytinae) that breeds in the roots and stumps of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), particularly in trees killed by Dendroctonus pseudotsugae. The species exhibits strong temperature-dependent emergence and light-influenced flight behavior, with peak activity occurring in late afternoon or early evening. It is a suspected vector of the pathogen Verticicladiella wageneri, which causes black stain root disease. Development typically spans one year, with five larval instars and overwintering by both adults and mature larvae in galleries.
Hylastes porculus
Hylastes porculus is a crenulate bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, found in North America. The species has been documented as a vector of pathogenic fungi, including Leptographium terebrantis, Leptographium procerum, and Ophiostoma ips, to wounded roots of red pine (Pinus resinosa). Its role in transmitting these fungi implicates it in red pine decline disease.
Hylastini
Hylastini is a tribe of bark and ambrosia beetles within the subfamily Scolytinae. These beetles are primarily associated with coniferous host plants across multiple families. The tribe is of significant economic importance due to its role as a forest pest and its potential for international spread through trade in wood products.
Hylecoetus
ship-timber beetles
Hylecoetus is a genus of ship-timber beetles in the family Lymexylidae, historically noted for the European species Hylecoetus flabellicornis that infested wooden ship timbers. Adults are attracted to light and are primarily nocturnal. The genus belongs to a family whose evolutionary placement has shifted historically, now generally placed within Cucujiformia near Cleroidea and Cucujoidea, though some analyses suggest a position within Tenebrionoidea.
Hylesinini
Crenulate Bark Beetles
Hylesinini is a tribe of crenulate bark beetles within the weevil family Curculionidae. The tribe comprises at least 20 genera and approximately 80 described species. Members are characterized by the presence of crenulate (scalloped or notched) elytral declivity, a diagnostic feature distinguishing them from related bark beetle tribes. These beetles are primarily associated with woody plants and are distributed across multiple continents.
Hylesinus aculeatus
eastern ash bark beetle
Hylesinus aculeatus, commonly known as the eastern ash bark beetle, is a species of bark beetle in the family Curculionidae. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Hylesinus, which are primarily associated with ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). The species is native to North America and has been documented across a broad geographic range from Canada through the United States. Like other bark beetles in this genus, it is likely a phloem feeder that develops under the bark of host trees, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Hylobius
pine weevil, large pine weevil
Hylobius is a genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) containing approximately 15 described species. Several species, particularly Hylobius abietis and H. pales, are significant forestry pests that damage coniferous trees through root and collar feeding. The genus is distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with species occurring in North America, Europe, and Asia. Adults are mobile and capable of flight, while larvae are relatively immobile and develop in soil near host roots.
Hylobius pales
Pales Weevil
Hylobius pales, commonly known as the pales weevil, is a significant forest pest in North America that primarily attacks coniferous trees, especially species of Pinus. Adults are dark red-brown with yellowish or gray hair tufts on the elytra and thorax, and possess a robust, cylindrical, gently curved rostrum nearly as long as the thorax. The species is particularly damaging to young pine seedlings in cut-over areas and Christmas tree plantations, with mortality rates reaching 30-70% in unprotected plantings. Larvae develop in stumps and roots of host trees, while adults feed on bark.
Hylurgopinus
native elm bark beetles
Hylurgopinus is a monotypic genus of bark beetles in the tribe Hylesinini. The sole species, Hylurgopinus rufipes, is native to North America and serves as a principal vector of Dutch elm disease. Adults are small, brownish-red beetles that bore into elm bark to construct galleries for reproduction and overwintering.
Hylurgopinus rufipes
Native Elm Bark Beetle
The native elm bark beetle is a small scolytine weevil and principal vector of Dutch elm disease in the northern Great Plains and prairie provinces of Canada. Adults are brownish-red, measuring 2.3–2.9 mm, and complete one generation annually. Overwintered adults emerge in spring to colonize weakened or dying American elm, constructing egg galleries in the inner bark where larvae feed on cambium tissue. The species exhibits distinctive acoustic communication: males produce simple multipulse calls, stress/rivalry chirps, and bimodal premating stridulation at gallery sites, while females do not stridulate. Males become strongly arrested at attractive female galleries and engage in brief contests with rival males shortly after a resident male establishes presence.
Hylurgus
red-haired bark beetles
Hylurgus is a genus of bark beetles in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae. The genus includes economically significant forestry pests, most notably Hylurgus ligniperda (red-haired bark beetle), which is native to Eurasia and has established invasive populations on multiple continents. Species in this genus are associated with coniferous hosts, particularly Pinus species, and maintain complex symbiotic relationships with fungi and bacteria that facilitate host colonization and environmental adaptation.
Hylurgus ligniperda
Goldenhaired Bark Beetle, Red-haired Bark Beetle
Hylurgus ligniperda is an invasive bark beetle native to Europe that has established populations across multiple continents. It is a significant forest pest primarily associated with pine trees (Pinus spp.), where it colonizes roots and lower trunk sections. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in acoustic communication: males produce stridulatory sounds during courtship and disturbance, while females are silent. Its invasion success is facilitated by symbiotic relationships with ophiostomatoid fungi and diverse bacterial communities that assist with host adaptation, detoxification of plant secondary metabolites, and tolerance to environmental temperature fluctuations.
Hyphantria
fall webworm moths
Hyphantria is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, established by Thaddeus William Harris in 1841. The genus contains approximately five species, with Hyphantria cunea (fall webworm) being the most widely known due to its economic and ecological significance. Species in this genus are primarily native to North and Central America, though H. cunea has been accidentally introduced to Europe and Asia, where it has become a significant invasive pest. The genus is characterized by larvae that construct communal silk webs for feeding and protection.
Hyphantria cunea
Fall Webworm, Fall Webworm Moth, American White Moth
The fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) is a moth native to North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico. It is best known for its larval stage, in which caterpillars construct large silken webs on the terminal branches of host trees during late summer and fall. The species exhibits two color races that vary geographically: white moths with black-headed caterpillars predominate in northern populations, while spotted moths with red-headed caterpillars are more common in the south. Accidentally introduced to Hungary in the 1940s, it has become a destructive invasive pest across Europe and Asia, particularly in China where it is known as the 'North American White Moth.'
defoliatorweb-forming-caterpillarinvasive-speciesnative-pestpolyphagousfreeze-avoiderthermoregulationbiological-control-targethazelnut-pestmulberry-pesturban-pestornamental-pestforest-pestagricultural-pestgregarious-larvaesilken-webNorth-American-nativeEuropean-invasiveAsian-invasiveviral-biocontrolparasitoid-hosthyperparasitismIps
Engraver beetles, Ips engraver beetles, Pine engravers
Ips is a genus of bark beetles in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Scolytinae. Species are distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, with some introduced to Australia and Africa. Many species are forest pests, particularly of pines and spruces. They are commonly known as engraver beetles due to the distinctive gallery patterns their larvae carve beneath bark.
Ips borealis
Northern Engraver Beetle
Ips borealis is a bark beetle species in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the Northern Engraver Beetle. It is found in North America, with records from Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. As a member of the genus Ips, it belongs to a group of beetles known as engraver beetles that tunnel beneath tree bark, creating distinctive gallery patterns. The species was described by J.M. Swaine in 1911.
Ips calligraphus
six-spined engraver beetle, six-spined ips, coarsewriting engraver
Ips calligraphus is a bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the six-spined engraver beetle. It is distributed across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, where it primarily colonizes Pinus species. The species is notable for its six-spined declivity (posterior slope) used in identification, its complex gallery system with radiating egg galleries from a central nuptial chamber, and its potential to cause tree mortality during outbreaks. It has been recorded from over 20 U.S. states and several Caribbean islands including Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
Ips confusus
pinyon pine beetle, pinyon ips, pinyon engraver beetle
Ips confusus is a bark beetle in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the pinyon pine beetle or pinyon ips. It is a significant pest of pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The beetle colonizes stressed or weakened trees, creating galleries beneath the bark where larvae feed on phloem tissues. Population outbreaks can cause extensive tree mortality, particularly during drought conditions.
Ips perturbatus
Northern Spruce Engraver
Ips perturbatus, the northern spruce engraver, is a bark beetle in the family Curculionidae (subfamily Scolytinae) that colonizes spruce trees (Picea spp.) across northern North America. It is primarily associated with white spruce (Picea glauca) and typically breeds on trees already killed or weakened by other agents, though it can attack stressed living trees. The species has one generation per year in most of its range, with adults overwintering in the ground. Males initiate galleries and attract 1–4 females to form harems; females construct egg tunnels averaging 10 cm in length and lay approximately 49 eggs each. The species is notable for its associations with ophiostomatoid fungi, particularly Leptographium fruticetum, which may play a role in its ecology.
Ips pilifrons sulcifrons
Ips pilifrons sulcifrons is a subspecies of bark beetle in the family Curculionidae (subfamily Scolytinae). It is a member of the Ips genus, commonly known as engraver beetles, which are characterized by the distinctive gallery patterns they create beneath tree bark. This subspecies was described by Wood in 1960. Like other Ips species, it is associated with coniferous trees and plays a role in forest ecosystem dynamics.
Kerriidae
Lac insects, Lac scales
Kerriidae is a family of scale insects in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as lac insects or lac scales. Members secrete a protective waxy resin called lac, which is commercially harvested and processed into shellac, dyes, food glazes, and wood finishes. The family includes economically important genera such as Kerria, Tachardina, and Paratachardina, with Kerria lacca being the most widely cultivated species for lac production. Some species have become invasive pests outside their native ranges, while others are valued for their role in sustainable agroecosystems.
Korscheltellus
conifer swift (for K. gracilis), common swift (for K. lupulina)
Korscheltellus is a genus of ghost moths (Hepialidae) containing two widespread species. Korscheltellus lupulina, the common swift, occurs across Europe. Korscheltellus gracilis, the conifer swift, ranges through Canada and the eastern United States. The genus was established by Börner in 1920 and has been subject to taxonomic revision, including the reinstatement of Korscheltellus castillanus as a distinct species.
Korscheltellus gracilis
Conifer Swift Moth
Korscheltellus gracilis, the Conifer Swift Moth, is a hepialid moth native to eastern and central North America. Adults are active at dusk and exhibit a primitive mating system where males form aerial lek swarms to attract females. Larvae are root-feeders primarily associated with coniferous trees, particularly balsam fir and red spruce, though they can survive on deciduous hosts. The species is considered a forest pest due to larval damage to tree roots and associated pathogen entry points.
Lambdina fervidaria
curve-lined looper, spring hemlock looper, curved-lined looper moth
Lambdina fervidaria is a geometrid moth found in eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 27 mm and are active from May to August. The species has two recognized subspecies with slightly different host plant preferences. Larvae feed on hardwood trees including oaks and ashes, while the subspecies L. f. athasaria specializes on conifers such as balsam fir, spruce, and eastern hemlock.
Lambdina fiscellaria
Hemlock Looper Moth, Mournful Thorn
Lambdina fiscellaria is a North American geometrid moth known as the hemlock looper or mournful thorn. It is a significant forest pest, particularly of coniferous trees, capable of causing complete defoliation and tree mortality during outbreaks. The species comprises three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic ranges and host preferences: the eastern hemlock looper (L. f. fiscellaria), western hemlock looper (L. f. lugubrosa), and western oak looper (L. f. somniaria). Adults are active from August to October with a wingspan of approximately 35 mm.
Lamprosema
Lamprosema is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae, described by Jacob Hübner in 1823. The genus contains approximately 80 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands. Several species are documented as agricultural pests, particularly on leguminous crops. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some species transferred to other genera over time.
Lechriops
Lechriops is a genus of true weevils in the family Curculionidae containing at least 90 described species. The genus was established by Carl Johan Schoenherr in 1825. The genus name is masculine per ICZN Article 30.1.4.3, which specifies that compound genus-group names ending in -ops are to be treated as masculine regardless of derivation or original author treatment. Members are small weevils associated with coniferous trees.
Leptocybe invasa
blue gum chalcid wasp, eucalyptus gall wasp, Eucalyptus Stem Gall Wasp
Leptocybe invasa is a gall-forming chalcid wasp native to Queensland, Australia, and the sole species in the monotypic genus Leptocybe. It is a globally significant invasive pest of Eucalyptus plantations, having spread to Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific region. The wasp induces spherical galls on leaf buds, midribs, and petioles, impairing tree growth and productivity. Populations reproduce primarily through thelytokous parthenogenesis, with males being rare, enabling rapid population establishment in new regions.
Leptoglossus
leaf-footed bugs
Leptoglossus is a genus of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. Species are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced populations in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become invasive in multiple continents.
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nchanmoss-bugarchaeorrhynchanfulgoromorphancicadomorphanmembracoidtreehopperleafhopperplanthopperpsyllidjumping-plant-lousewhiteflyaleyrodidscale-insectcoccoidmealybugaphidadelgidphylloxeransternorrhynchanthysanopteranthripspsocopteranbarklousebooklousephthirapteranlousesucking-lousechewing-lousemallophagananoplurandermapteranearwigblattodeancockroachtermiteisopteranmantodeanmantidphasmidstick-insectleaf-insectorthopterangrasshopperlocustkatydidcricketmole-cricketpygmy-mole-cricketcamel-cricketcave-cricketwetaensiferancaeliferangryllotalpidmyrmecophilidtettigoniidgryllidacrididpamphagidpneumoridlentulidtristirideumastacidproscopiidtridactylidtetrigidgrouse-locustpygmy-grasshopperplecopteranstoneflyembiopteranwebspinnerzorapteranangel-insectdictyopteranLepyronia
spittlebugs, froghoppers
Lepyronia is a genus of froghoppers (spittlebugs) in the family Aphrophoridae, comprising approximately 17 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Nymphs develop within protective spittle masses on host plant stems, feeding on xylem sap. The genus includes notable agricultural and forest pests, with at least one species confirmed as a vector of phytoplasma plant pathogens. Adults are active in mid-summer and are capable of jumping considerable distances.
Leschenaultia
Leschenaultia is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 35 described species distributed across the New World, from Canada to Argentina. Species in this genus are parasitoids of Lepidoptera, with documented hosts spanning at least seven families including Lasiocampidae, Erebidae, Noctuidae, and Saturniidae. The genus has been studied primarily for its role in biological control of forest tent caterpillar and other caterpillar pests. Female flies locate hosts using volatile cues from damaged plants and host frass, with oviposition strategies varying between macrotype eggs deposited directly on host integument and microtype eggs placed on foliage.
Leschenaultia exul
Leschenaultia exul is a tachinid fly that parasitizes tent caterpillars, particularly the forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria) and eastern tent caterpillar (Malacosoma americana). Females locate hosts using olfactory cues from larval aggregation pheromones and frass volatiles, combined with visual cues such as silk trails and larval aggregations. The species deposits macrotype eggs directly onto host larvae and is considered an important biological control agent of forest tent caterpillar populations in North America.
Lochmaeus
Lochmaeus is a genus of moths in the family Notodontidae, first described by Edward Doubleday in 1841. The genus contains at least two species, including L. manteo and L. bilineata. Larvae are late-season defoliators of hardwood trees, with outbreaks occasionally producing conspicuous damage and abundant frass. Despite visible defoliation, impacts to tree health are generally minor.
Lochmaeus manteo
Variable Oakleaf Caterpillar Moth
Lochmaeus manteo is a moth in the family Notodontidae, commonly known as the variable oakleaf caterpillar moth. It occurs in eastern North America, where adults are active from April through October. The species is a late-season defoliator of deciduous trees, with larvae feeding primarily on Quercus (oak) species. While larval feeding can cause noticeable canopy damage and produce abundant frass, single defoliation events rarely cause significant long-term harm to tree health.
Lophocampa argentata
Silver-spotted Tiger Moth
Lophocampa argentata, the silver-spotted tiger moth, is a univoltine moth species in the family Erebidae, native to western North America. Caterpillars are densely hairy with distinctive black and yellow hair tufts and feed on conifer needles, particularly Douglas-fir. Adults have reddish-brown wings marked with silvery spots. The species has been documented forming larval colonies in forest canopies and can cause noticeable defoliation of host trees.