Biology and Ecology

Lymantria monacha is a typical transpaleartic species with a wide distribution from Japan, Korea, China, throughout Russia (southern parts of Russian Far East, Eastern and Western Siberia, Southern Urals, European part), and most European countries.  It occurs within a band between N. latitudes 43 57 including southern England, Denmark, Sweden and Finland in the North, and Spain, Portugal and Italy at elevations of 1000-2000 m in the South. The proactive research done under quarantine

Adult Lymantria monacha fly from the middle of July to the beginning of September (exact time depends on the climate of the region).  Males are nocturnally active and females release a pheromone to attract the males.  The adults are most active in the hours around midnight and the males are much more active than the females.  Although females fly, they usually sit on stems to await the male.  Once mated, the females lay from 70 to 300 eggs in clusters of approximately 40 eggs in bark crevices or under lichens on the bark.  After depositing most of her eggs, the female may fly more actively.  The L. monacha embryo completes development 2-6 weeks after the egg is laid (depending on temperature) and then enters diapause for about 10 weeks.  Hatching usually occurs in the beginning of May.  First and second instars are capable of wind dispersal over considerable distances.  Larvae have 5-7 instars and pupation takes place in July.  Males typically emerge a few days before the females.  

Our Research

• Develop Rearing Methods to Make Laboratory Research Possible 
• Egg Chill Requirements
• Phenology of Nun Moth

Last Modified: 10/21/2010

For further details log on website :
https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/disturbance/invasive_species/nun_moth/biology_ecology/