Asian gypsy moth
What is it?
Asian gypsy moth caterpillars eat the leaves of trees and shrubs over very large areas, causing major damage and dieback.
Where is it found?
Gypsy moths are found in Asia, Europe and North America.
The European strain was accidentally introduced to the eastern United States in 1869 and spread to Canada in 1924. Eradication programs are conducted in neighbouring areas to prevent its spread and establishment in new regions.
The Asian strain originated in eastern Asia and is found throughout eastern Russia, China, Korea and Japan. It was accidentally introduced to North America in the early 1990's but was successfully eradicated.
New Zealand discovered Asian gypsy moth in 2003 and immediately began a comprehensive control and eradication program to prevent its establishment.
What are its effects?
Asian gypsy moth caterpillars feed on more than 500 species of trees and other plants, including pines, holly, eucalypts, acacias, roses, apples, pears, cherries, oaks and urban ornamentals.
Newly hatched larvae can live for up to a week without feeding, allowing them time to move to a host plant, where they begin feeding on new foliage. They also disperse widely in the wind, floating on silken threads.
Most damage to host plants takes place during the final caterpillar stages and a severe infestation can completely defoliate host plants, killing them or reducing their capacity to tolerate other insect pests or diseasesor causing them to die.
What's the risk to Australia?
A major outbreak of Asian gypsy moth in Australia has the potential to destroy forests and native bush, street trees, crops and the communities that depend on them.
There is a high risk of the moth arriving on ships carrying cargo containers. Asian gypsy moth is attracted to light, so there is the potential for eggs to be deposited on ships, aircraft and vehicles at brightly lit urban parking lots, airports and seaports.
As well as inspecting ships and their cargo, AQIS officers maintain a trapping program to provide early warning of the potential entry of this pest.