Risk, Detection, and Spread

Nun moth is currently not established in North America.  Its establishment would be disastrous because of its polyphagous feeding habits, ability to colonize new habitats, and capacity to be spread rapidly by vagile females.  It has the potential to be transported via commerce because eggs are laid in crevices of bark and other potential vehicles such as containers, pallets, ships, etc.  Adults are readily attracted to artificial lights and have been observed on Russian ships in Far East ports.  Nun moth pheromones have been identified and a good pheromone trap is available for monitoring. Regions of highest risk in North America, based on host plant availability and climate, include some 70,000 ha of western forests west of the Cascade Range, high-elevation spruce/fir/pine, and northeastern North America.  Tactics to prevent the introduction and establishment of the nun moth into North America are needed.  Regulatory officials needed a good guide for identifying all stages of this insect and differentiating it from gypsy moth.  Managers needed to know what North American host were at risk should the nun moth become established.

Our Research

• Techniques to Identify Each Life Stage and Differentiate it From Gypsy Moth 
• North American Host Utilization 
• Potential Oviposition Substrates

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