Nun Moth: Potential New Pest (Pest Alert)

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• Keena, Melody
• Shields, Kathleen

Year Published

1998

Publication

NA-PR-95-98. Newtown Square, PA:U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Area State & Private Forestry

Abstract

The nun moth, Lymantria monacha (L.)(Lymantriidae), is a Eurasian pest of conifers that could be accidentally introduced into North America. Its establishment in this country would be disastrous because it feeds on a variety of vegetation and can migrate and colonize a variety of sites.

Keywords

• Insect
• gypsy moth
• defoliation
• conifers
• deciduous.

Citation

Keena, Melody; Shields, Kathleen 1998. Nun Moth: Potential New Pest (Pest Alert). NA-PR-95-98. Newtown Square, PA:U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Area State & Private Forestry

Last updated on: September 1, 2004

For further details log on website :
https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/1048

Lymantria monacha (nun moth) and L. dispar (gypsy moth) survival and development on improved Pinus radiata

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• Withers, T.M.
• Keena, M.A.

Year Published

2001

Publication

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science. 3(1): 66-77.

Abstract

The lymantriid forest defoliators, Lymantria monacha L. (nun moth) and Lymantria dispar L. (gypsy moth) are particularly severe pests in other countries in the world, but the ability of these moths to utilise and complete development on Pinus radiata D. Don had never been established. In laboratory trials, colonies of central European L. monacha and Russian far east (flight capable) L. dispar were fed on foliage from three mature P. radiata trees originating from three different advanced-selection families from New Zealand. The results showed that both moths were capable of completing their development from egg to adult on these families of P. radiata. However, P. radiata was a less suitable host for development of L. dispar than Quercus velutina Lam. (black oak), as evidenced by higher mortality and slower growth. Lymantria monacha developed faster and survived better on P. radiata than it did on mature foliage of Picea glauca (Moench) Voss. Neonate L. monacha larvae favoured male pine cones from Pinus strobus L. as a food source, but when these were absent did complete their development on P. radiata needles. There was no difference in larval development between those on the three P. radiata families tested. The study suggests anaccidental introduction of L. monacha to New Zealand, even more so than L. dispar, could have a serious impact on P. radiata plantations.

Keywords

• Lyrnantriidae
• larval feeding
• development
• survival
• fecundity
• no-choice trial
• biosecurity risk
• Lymantria monacha
• Lymantria dispar
• Pinus radiata

Citation

Withers, T.M.; Keena, M.A. 2001. Lymantria monacha (nun moth) and L. dispar (gypsy moth) survival and development on improved Pinus radiata. New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science. 3(1): 66-77.

Last updated on: April 10, 2007

For further details log on website :
https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/8388

Survival and Development of Lymantria monacha (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) on North American and Introduced Eurasian Tree Species

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• Keena, M.A.

Year Published

2003

Publication

Journal of Economic Entomology. 96(1): 43-52.

Abstract

Lymantria monacha (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), the nun moth, is a Eurasian pest of conifers that has potential for accidental introduction into North America. To project the potential host range of this insect if introducedinto North America, survival and development of L. monacha on 26 North American and eight introduced Eurasian tree species were examined. Seven conifer species (Abies concolor, Picea abies, P. glauca, P. pungens, Pinus sylvestris with male cones, P. menziesii variety glauca, and Tsuga canadensis) and six broadleaf species (Betula populifolia, Malus x omestica, Prunus serotina, Quercus lobata, Q. rubra, and Q. velutina) were suitable for L. monacha survival and development. Eleven of the host species tested were rated as intermediate in suitability, four conifer species (Larix occidentalis, P. nigra, P. ponderosa, P. strobus, and Pseudotsuga menziesii variety menziesii) and six broadleaf species (Carpinus caroliniana, Carya ovata, Fagus grandifolia, Populus grandidentata, Q. alba, and Tilia cordata) and the remaining 10 species tested were rated as poor (Acer rubrum, A. platanoidies, A. saccharum, F. americana, Juniperus virginiana, Larix kaempferi, Liriodendron tulipfera, Morus alba, P. taeda, and P. deltoides). The phenological state of the trees had a major impact on establishment, survival, and development of L. monacha on many of the tree species tested. Several of the deciduous tree species that are suitable for L. monacha also are suitable for L. dispar (L.) and L. mathura Moore. Establishment of L. monacha in North America would be catastrophic because of the large number of economically important tree species on which it can survive and develop, and the ability of mated females to fly and colonize new areas.

Keywords

• Lymantria monacha
• host plant suitability
• development
• survival

Citation

Keena, M.A. 2003. Survival and Development of Lymantria monacha (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) on North American and Introduced Eurasian Tree Species. Journal of Economic Entomology. 96(1): 43-52.

Last updated on: April 9, 2007

For further details log on website :
https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/8382

Commercially Available Traps and Lures for Detecting Nun Moth, Lymantria monacha L., in North America

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• Lance, D.R.
• Schaefer, P.W.
• Sawyer, A.J.
• Mastro, V.C.
• Gonschorrek, J.
• Kolb, M.
• Sukovata, L.
• Yurchenko, G.
• Yurchenko, G.

Year Published

2005

Publication

In: Gottschalk, Kurt W., ed. Proceedings, 16th U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency research forum on gypsy moth and other invasive species 2005; 2005 January 18-21; Annapolis, MD. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-337. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station: 55.

Abstract

Citation

Lance, D.R.; Schaefer, P.W.; Sawyer, A.J.; Mastro, V.C.; Gonschorrek, J.; Kolb, M.; Sukovata, L.; Yurchenko, G. 2005. Commercially Available Traps and Lures for Detecting Nun Moth, Lymantria monacha L., in North America. In: Gottschalk, Kurt W., ed. Proceedings, 16th U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency research forum on gypsy moth and other invasive species 2005; 2005 January 18-21; Annapolis, MD. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-337. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station: 55.

Last updated on: October 17, 2007

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https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/7605

Additions and corrections to barcode libraries for Lymantria spp

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• Humble, Leland
• de Waard, Jeremy
• Floyd, Robin
• Lima, João
• Hanner, Robert.

Year Published

2009

Publication

In: McManus, Katherine A; Gottschalk, Kurt W., eds. Proceedings. 20th U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency research forum on invasive species 2009; 2009 January 13-16; Annapolis, MD. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-51. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 79.

Abstract

The genus Lymantria includes a number of destructive forest pests such as the gypsy moth (L. dispar) and nun moth (L. monacha) in various regions across the northern hemisphere. A number of species have been transported beyond their native range, either intentionally or in conjunction with international trade. Egg masses of both L. mathura and L. dispar asiatica were recovered from vessels during quarantine inspections on the west coast of both Canada and the United States in the early 1990s.

Citation

Humble, Leland; de Waard, Jeremy; Floyd, Robin; Lima, João; Hanner, Robert. 2009. Additions and corrections to barcode libraries for Lymantria spp

Last updated on: February 9, 2010

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https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/34526

Susceptibility of larvae of nun moth, Lymantria monacha (Linnaeus 1758) (Lepidoptera), to the entomopathogenic fungus, Entomophaga maimaiga Humber, Shimazu and Soper (Entomophthorales) under laboratory and field conditions

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• Pilarska, Daniela
• Hajek, Ann E.
• Keena, Melody
• Linde, Andreas
• Kereselidze, Manana
• Georgiev, Georgi
• Georgieva, Margarita
• Mirchev, Plamen
• Takov, Danail
• Draganova, Slavimira.

Year Published

2016

Source

Acta Zoologica Bulgarica 68(1): 117-126.

Abstract

Susceptibility of Lymantria monacha larvae to Entomophaga maimaiga was investigated under laboratory and field conditions, using larvae of the natural host, Lymantria dispar, as positive controls. In laboratory bioassays, L. monacha and L. dispar were injected with protoplasts of two isolates of E. maimaiga and mortality was monitored for 20 days. While virtually all injected L. dispar died, with ST50s (median survival times for 50% of insects injected with the two isolates) of six - seven days, only 65.6-86.7% of the injected L. monacha died, with ST50s of 11-17 days. Both isolates produced conidia and resting spores more frequently within dead L. dispar than L. monacha. In more ecologically relevant host range assays, larvae of both species were exposed to germinating soil-borne E. maimaiga resting spores in the laboratory. More L. dispar than L. monacha larvae died after these exposures. However, while resting spores were formed within 100% of L. dispar larvae that died, significantly fewer (10%) dead L. monacha contained resting spores. When L. monacha larvae were collected during an E. maimaiga epizootic occurring in a sympatric L. dispar population, only 0.2 % of the L. monacha died and produced spores. These findings corroborate those of previous studies reporting a narrow host range for this fungal pathogen.

Keywords

• host specificity
• physiological host range
• ecological host range
• Lymantria monacha
• Lymantria dispar
• Entomophaga maimaiga

Citation

Pilarska, Daniela; Hajek, Ann E.; Keena, Melody; Linde, Andreas; Kereselidze, Manana; Georgiev, Georgi; Georgieva, Margarita; Mirchev, Plamen; Takov, Danail; Draganova, Slavimira. 2016. Susceptibility of larvae of nun moth, Lymantria monacha (Linnaeus 1758) (Lepidoptera), to the entomopathogenic fungus, Entomophaga maimaiga Humber, Shimazu and Soper (Entomophthorales) under laboratory and field conditions. Acta Zoologica Bulgarica. 68(1): 117-126.

Last updated on: April 12, 2016

For further details log on website :
https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/50753

Effects and Impacts

Invasiveness and Phytosanitary Risk / Risk of Introduction

Lymantria monacha is considered to be the number one forest pest in Poland because of the unprecedented economic losses it causes in spite of intensive chemical protective treatments on an area of 6.3 million ha of pine, spruce and other conifers between 1978 and 1984 (Sliwa and Sierpinski, 1986).  It is also considered to be a major pest in all the other areas where it goes through periodic outbreaks causing defoliation and resulting in the death of spruce and pine trees (Bejer 1988).  The frequency of outbreaks has declined from about every 30-40 years to intervals of 6 years.  It poses an ever present threat of being accidentally transported via commerce and introduced into other world areas where susceptible hosts are present for a couple of reasons: adults are readily attracted to artificial lights and have been observed in Russian Far East ports (Munson et al., 1995), and although eggs are normally laid in bark crevices, they also could be deposited in crevices on containers, pallets, ships, etc.  In a pest risk assessment for importation of larch from Siberia into the United States, L. monacha was one of the serious pests that were considered at risk of introduction if the bark was still on the logs because of their use of the bark for oviposition and the fact that the eggs are not readily visible (Anonymous, 1991).   Its establishment in areas with suitable hosts would be disastrous because of its polyphagous feeding habits, ability to colonize new habitats, and capacity to be spread rapidly by flying females.  

Lymantria monacha is listed as an invasive species of concern by the United States Department of Agriculture; port inspectors monitor for it and as part of the Rapid Detection Pilot Project pheromone traps are being placed near ports of entry to detect any breeding populations.  There were no L. monacha trapped in the one season of United States port monitoring reported on so far.  Population levels are being monitored through collaboration between United States and Russian agencies in the Russian Far East near ports (Munson et al. 1995).

Impacts

Economic impact

The first recorded outbreak of Lymantria monacha(1853-1863) occurred in European Russia and resulted in the damage or destruction of about 403,000 km² of forest (Bejer, 1988).  Since then there have been periodic outbreaks across Europe (Wellenstein, 1942a, Bejer, 1988, Schoenherr, 1989, Lipa and Glowacka, 1995).  During the longest (19780-1983), over 2 million ha of coniferous forests (one quarter of Poland’s forests) were infested and partly defoliated (Schönherr, 1985).  In addition, L. monacha defoliation has been shown to reduce annual tree growth in pines in Poland (Beker, 1996) and spruce in Czech Republic (Vins and Svestka, 1973).  The cost of eradication or control of L. monacha, based on host plant availability and climate, would be enormous should it become established in North America (Wallner 1996).  

Environmental impact

Lymantria monacha damage and resulting tree loss has the potential to alter the species composition of forests where outbreaks occur.  The loss of coniferous species would be more severe than that of deciduous species because they tolerate less defoliation.  Any associated wildlife that depends on the affected tree species for food or nesting would be adversely affected.  Nutrient and water cycling in the ecosystem may also be affected.  During a L. monacha outbreak In Poland, the massive quantities of frass and needle fall increased the nitrogen and phosphorus in the pine litter two to three times the normal level and also increased the potassium and manganese significantly (Dziadowiec and Plichta, 1986) 

Social impact

Coniferous trees killed by Lymantria monachadefoliation or subsequent attack by other organisms may not be useable for lumber because of deterioration of the wood before it can be harvested.  This could affect the timber industry and those they employ.  Tree loss, especially in populated areas, can also affect tourism and increase safety concerns in areas where dead limbs or trees could fall and injure people or damage property.  The scales and hairs of L. monachaare allergens so outbreaks can create a human health risk for some people (Delgado, 1978).

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

Susceptibility to Commercial Bacillus thuringiensis Formulations

Research Issue

Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt) products are available for operational use against Lymantria monacha in Eurasia.  There is some variation in the control results obtained for different formulations but it has been used widely with good success in Germany, Russia, Belarus and Czech Republic.  Information on the susceptibility of nun moth to the formulations available in the United States is needed to know what could be used to eradicate nun moth should it be introduced.

Our Research

The relative susceptibility of larvae to two formulations of Bt was determined by comparing the LC₅₀ for each with that of the standard strain (NJSS) of gypsy moth.

Expected Outcomes

Information needed to use Bt in eradication of nun moth if introduced into North America.

Research Results

Nun moth has a similar susceptibility to that of the gypsy moth to both commercial Bt formulations evaluated.  Nun moth is more susceptible to the Abbott formulation than the standard.

Research Participants

Principal Investigators

• Melody Keena, USDA Forest Service- Northern Research Station Research Entomologist
• Normand Dubois, USDA Forest Service- Northern Research Station Former Research Microbiologist (Deceased) 

Last Modified: 09/15/2009

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

Control and Management

The parasitoids of Lymantria monacha in Europe have been catalogued and studied in detail by several people.  The tachinid Parasetigena silvestris and the braconid Cotesia melanoscelus are considered to be the most important in Europe.  Parasetigena agilis and Blepharipa schineri were shown to be the most effective parasites in the Russian Far East. 

At present only Bacillus thuringiensis products are available for operational use against Lymantria monacha in Eurasia.  There is some variation in the control results obtained for different formulations but it has been used widely with good success in Germany, Russia, Belarus  and Czech Republic.

For more than a century it has been known that natural epizootics of the nuclear polyhedrosis virus are the main factor that causes the collapse of L. monachaoutbreaks.  Several attempts to produce it have been made but no large-scale production for operational use has yet resulted.  

Synthetic pyrethroids and growth inhibitors are still in use against the L. monacha today.  The growth inhibitors are slow to act so can only be used when the populations are low enough or caught early enough so that the growing tips of the conifers are not completely destroyed.  Synthetic pyrethroids have negative effects on non-target organisms so can’t be used in environmentally sensitive areas, but they are fast-acting and cheap, so they are still used.

Our Research

• Susceptibility to Commercial Bacillus thuringiensis Formulations

Last Modified: 10/21/2010

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

Phenology of Nun Moth

Research Issue

Some information on nun moth phenology is available in the European literature but it is not detailed enough to allow models developed for gypsy moth to be modified to predict nun moth phenology.

Our Research

Newly hatched larvae were either setup in petri dishes with chucks of artificial diet or sprigs of white spruce in a water pick.  Larvae that molted were daily moved to a new dish and labeled with the instar and molt date.  When the larvae reached the reached the 4th instar they were moved to paper cups with diet or gallon paper containers with a larger quantity of foliage.  Data on days in each instar/stage, mortality, and weights by instar were collected. 

Research Results

The phenology of nun moth on both the artificial diet and white spruce has been determined and could be used to develop a life stage model.  Nun moth had 4-6 instars on both the artificial diet and white spruce.  Males tended to develop faster than females and began emerging sooner.

Research Participants

Principal Investigators

• Melody Keena, USDA Forest Service- Northern Research Station Research Entomologist
• Alice Vandel, USDA Forest Service- Northern Research Station Biological Science Technician

Last Modified: 09/18/2009

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