Winter moth has a broad host range, including many ornamentals.
Gyorgy Csoka, Hungary Forest Research Institute, Bugwood.org
Winter moth (Operophtera brumata) is a pest of concern in New England, where it defoliates deciduous plant material. Since 2003, winter moth has moved from coastal areas of Massachusetts to several inland towns and has also been found causing extensive damage in all counties of Rhode Island. Winter moth has also recently been confirmed in other New England states.
Winter moth has a broad host range, including apples, blueberries and a wide range of ornamentals such as maple, oak, ash, birch, elm, linden, and crabapple. In early spring, the larvae have moved from within the expanding buds and leaves and are now openly feeding on the foliage. Young larvae feed in and cause severe damage to developing buds on host plants, while older larvae become free feeders on plant foliage, which may cause complete defoliation. The larvae will continue to feed until pupation, which occurs in late May or early June.
Winter moth is considered invasive in the U.S., but began as a harmful plant pest in Europe. It was introduced into Nova Scotia in the 1950s. The exotic moth is regarded as a major pest of agricultural crops. It is a generalist feeder with the potential for causing destructive injury on a wide range of host plants. Winter moths also have been observed on viburnum, roses, and other perennial crops. Winter moth has become well acclimated to conditions in New England, and has adapted to Massachusetts and Rhode Island coastal and some inland climates. Based on its rapid rate of establishment there, it has been found to produce high numbers of offspring.
