Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae): Current Status of Biology, Ecology, and Management in Europe with Notes from North America

Abstract

The European Spongy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), is an abundant species found in oak woods in Central and Southern Europe, the Near East, and North Africa and is an important economic pest. It is a voracious eater and can completely defoliate entire trees; repeated severe defoliation can add to other stresses, such as weather extremes or human activities. Lymantria dispar is most destructive in its larval stage (caterpillars), stripping away foliage from a broad variety of trees (>500 species). Caterpillar infestation is an underestimated problem; medical literature reports that established populations of caterpillars may cause health problems to people and animals. Inflammatory reactions may occur in most individuals after exposure to setae, independent of previous exposure. Currently, chemical and mechanical methods, natural predators, and silvicultural practices are included for the control of this species. Various insecticides have been used for its control, often through aerial sprayings, which negatively affect biodiversity, frequently fail, and are inappropriate for urban/recreational areas. However, bioinsecticides based on various microorganisms (e.g., entomopathogenic viruses, bacteria, and fungi) as well as technologies such as mating disruption using sex pheromone traps have replaced insecticides for the management of L. dispar.

Feasting on the ordinary or starving for the exceptional in a warming climate: Phenological synchrony between spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) and budburst of six European tree species

“…We studied the hatching date of the polyphagous lepidopterous defoliator species, the spongy moth Lymantria dispar dispar L., in relation to the budburst of six native Central European broad‐leaved tree species under different winter conditions in controlled greenhouses and open top chambers at the research institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland. The six temperate broad‐leaved species are: Acer pseudoplatanus L., Tilia cordata Mill., Fagus sylvatica L., Ulmus glabra Huds., Quercus robur L., and Carpinus betulus L. These species often occur in forest communities in which outbreaks of L. dispar were observed (Boukouvala et al., 2022). In addition, they were selected due to their large variation in spring and autumn phenology.…”

“…We studied the hatching date of the polyphagous lepidopterous defoliator species, the spongy moth Lymantria dispar dispar Mill., Fagus sylvatica L., Ulmus glabra Huds., Quercus robur L., and Carpinus betulus L. These species often occur in forest communities in which outbreaks of L. dispar were observed (Boukouvala et al, 2022). In addition, they were selected due to their large variation in spring and autumn phenology.…”

Lessons from insect and disease impacts on radiata pine (Pinus radiataD. Don) plantations in New Zealand over the last hundred years

“…The European spongy moth ( Lymantria dispar L.), which was formerly known as gypsy moth, is a noxious species and can rapidly expand into new areas, causing serious, large-scale defoliation (Boukouvala et al 2022). In their review they note the caterpillars have been recorded as attacking over 500 tree species, mostly deciduous, although they have been reported as damaging radiata pine in Portugal and Spain (Castedo-Dorado et al .…”

“…2016). There are three subspecies, two of which are Asian (Asian spongy moths) (Boukouvala et al 2022). Populations are often low but are capable of rapid expansion causing major damage, particularly in wetter conditions.…”

Pre-egg hatch efficacy of dormant applications against Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Erebidae)

“…Active management to prevent L. dispar -caused defoliation has a long history in the USA (Tobin et al 2012, Liebhold et al 2021) and Europe (Boukouvala et al 2022). Large outbreaks of L. dispar often are managed by aerial applications of Bacillus thuringiensis , subsp.…”