The browntail moth ( Euproctis chrysorrhoea ) is an insect that was unexpectedly insert to Massachusetts from Europe in 1897 . By the early 1900s , it spread into all of New England and parts of Canada . The caterpillars of this species feed on oak tree , serviceberry , cerise , beach plum , apple , rugosa rose , and other trees and bush . While the alimentation damage from the caterpillars on landscape painting specimens may be problematic , the principal cause for care with respect to browntail moth is medical : the caterpillars of this coinage possess toxicant hairs that cause a roseola similar to poison ivy , and , in some sensible soul , may cause hassle breathing or sometimes a more severe allergic response .
fortuitously , thanks to a entourage of parasitoids and pathogen and extra factors , by the 1930s , population of browntail moth declined below noticeable levels , in the greater part of its diachronic chain of mountains . In special , there are two tachinid tent-fly parasitoids have intercourse to assault browntail moth : Compsilura concinnataand a species ofTownsendiellmyia . Various wasp parasitoids will also assail browntail moth , include those in the generaPimpla , Brachymeria , and others . An entomopathogenic fungus ( Entomophaga aulicae ; a different metal money thanE. maimaiga , which attacksLymantria disparcaterpillars ) as well as an NPV virus ( theEuproctis chrysorrhoeaNucleopolyhedrosis Virus ; EcNPV ) also touch browntail moth population .
While there were some little outbreaks of browntail moth in the 1960s in the US , the dirt ball has persist in down in the mouth , obscure populations restricted to the Casco Bay Region of Maine and on constituent of Cape Cod , Massachusetts . Since the other 1990s , localized outbreaks of browntail moth have occurred occasionally in other coastal communities in Maine . However , since 2016 , Maine has experienced a significant cattle ranch of this insect within state delimitation . For unnamed reason , this most recent outbreak has stay on confine to parts of Maine .
While occasional sightings of this plague have occurred in coastal arena of Massachusetts over the past several years , no recent irruption have occurred . However , UMass Extension was recently made mindful of reports of grownup browntail moths coming to lights in Essex and Plymouth counties , and the iNaturalist web site even has a report in the Boston area ( Chestnut Hill ) . While the presence of adult brown-tail moth moth in fix outside of Cape Cod present a modification in the recent historical distribution of this louse in Massachusetts , we do not believe browntail moth populations are raise or widespread in MA at this prison term . The MA Department of Conservation and Recreation will be completing enhanced surveys of browntail moth caterpillar webs this wintertime and will be providing update on the anticipated impact of the pest next spring . However , due to the increasing population and dispersion of browntail moth in Maine , recent discovery of the adult moths in Massachusetts , and the aesculapian concerns associated with this louse , we are recommending that green industry professional puzzle out in Massachusetts , in particular in coastal areas of Barnstable , Essex , Norfolk , Plymouth , and Suffolk Counties , should review the information we bring home the bacon below and be able to accurately describe this worm in all sprightliness stages . central in this entropy is the note that they should avoid touching the caterpillars , pupa / cocoon , or the nests / webbing produce by this plague without protective eyewear , gloves , long sleeve , knickers , and other protective clothing . When hiking or relish the open air in coastal areas , stay on trails and do not reduce through shrubs to avoid incidental exposure to potential browntail moths present .
Adult browntail moth are now emerge and once they mate , will lay their eggs on leave at the tops of host plant through the destruction of July . By August , these egg will think up and young Caterpillar will feed in groups until the early gloam , at which time they will build overwinter webs ( hibernacula ) in which they will be protect until they emerge the following April . Once these winter caterpillars emerge , they will fertilize and turn until pupation occurs , sometime at the end of June . Adult moths emerge in July , mate , and the life cycle begins again . Highly devil hairs are present in the winter webs , through the spring and summertime caterpillar and pupal stages , to the grownup – however the adult moths themselves do not seem to grow chafe hairs ( yet the hairs from the caterpillar and pupal stages may rest on the adults after they come forth ) . Because hairs can persist in webs even after caterpillar egress , use care and endure PPE even when handling onetime webs .
What to look for now ( July ): The adult moth are attracted to light , fly at night , and may be active into August . Adult moth wingspread are approximately 1.5 inches , with solid white wings andwhite abdomens with brown at the bakshis . In males , the brownish colouration extends along most of the upper ( dorsal ) open of the belly , while in females , much of the belly is white , with a much prominent tuft of brown whisker at the baksheesh . Egg masses laid by females are brown and downlike in appearance .
For more information : University of Massahussets Amherstwww.umass.edu
