Orgyia detrita is univoltine (one generation per year) while the other two species are bivoltine in Florida (Foltz 2006). Associated Publishers. Many butterflies and moths are associated with particular types of food plants, which their caterpillars must eat in order to survive. Castellanos I, Barbosa P, Caldas A. Moths emerge from cocoons in late summer or early fall, when they mate and deposit their eggs in masses. The little larvae strip the tissue off the leaves, but avoid the veins because there is a great deal of latex-like white sap that could glue them in place. Detrita also lacks the whitish tornal spot of leucostigma and definita (Ferguson 1978). Figure 8. In spring, the larvae hatch from their winter egg masses and begin feeding on new leaves. Figure 9. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Figure 3. Gypsy moth caterpillars dont just stay up in the trees, especially in outbreak years, you will find them crawling all over the place. Some have longer pairs of tufts near the head and rear. On Sep 19, 2008, NJTracyJean from Highland Lakes, NJ wrote: Actually, these guys dont take food from monarchsif anything the other way around. Young and unhealthy, stressed plants are less able to tolerate feeding. Larvae typically go through 4-6 instars or stages, but can go up to 7 under stressful situations. If the larva are disturbed they will usually drop to the ground, so look but dont touch. For photographs of pinned and spread specimens of males of the Lymantriinae, see Ferguson (1978). If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The parasitoid cocoons are cloaked by the silk covering (spun by the wasp larvae) beneath the parasitized caterpillar (Inset: parasitoid cocoons from under silk covering - wasps have already emerged). One of the reasons for their popularity (during the late summer and early fall) is that, while the hairs on these caterpillars are relatively painless (as far as we can tell), they can cause a very itchy rash. 1422 - Douglas-fir Tussock Moth. If control measures are required, chemical insecticide or Bacillus thuringiensis applications recommended for control of other caterpillars should be effective. Like the Satin Moth, the Pine Tussock Moth caterpillar takes a break from feeding to spin a hibernation web and stays inside this silk sleeping bag until the following spring. The form that occurs from South Carolina to Texas is subspecies Orgyia leucostigma leucostigma (Godfrey 1987). In large numbers, the caterpillars can quickly defoliate host plants in the landscape. It is considered an allergen, meaning it causes allergic reactions in some people. Furthermore, an Ultrasonic sound is emitted by an organ that serves as a deterrent to bats, a primary prey for them. The moths feed twice during their life cycle: once in late summer and once in early spring. If you have enough of the milkweed plant for all to feed on, it is okay to leave them be. He has suggested that levels of parasitism of pupae often approach 50 per cent (Foltz 2004, 2006). Newly hatched milkweed tussock moth larvae feeding. The best-known member of this family is the beautiful but highly detrimental Gypsy Moth which is not native to North America. Control of the caterpillars is difficult because by the time they are migrating from the trees, it is too late. Douglas Fir Tussock Moth male 6th instar larva. 2003. Male moths emerge and fly to the wingless females from mid April into early May. Gainesville, Florida. Its a journey of development worth watching. Females deposit eggs in masses of up to 300 which overwinter in the egg stage. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Tussock moths in the genus Orgyia are small moths that are best-known because of their attractive larvae. After eight weeks of feeding and molting, the caterpillar pupates, usually on tree bark. The moth can sometimes be found on milkweed leaves during the day. Euchaetes egle, the milkweed tiger moth or milkweed tussock moth, is a moth in the family Erebidae and the tribe Arctiini, the tiger moths.The species was first described by Dru Drury in 1773. Larvae: Larvae are 1-1.5 inches in length. The caterpillars coloration also changes as it matures, from a pale greenish-white to a bright green. The caterpillars emerge in the summer months. There are only a few generations of the satin moth each year. This study looked at three hundred and sixty-five exposures to Lophocampa caryae caterpillars (hickory tussock) that were reported to a certified regional poison information center over a 2-year period. "Tussock Moth Caterpillars." Like the Satin Moth, the Pine Tussock Moth caterpillar takes a break from feeding to spin a hibernation web and stays inside this silk sleeping bag until the following spring. The Tussock moth caterpillars can decimate entire forests because they consume an entire crop in a single meal. However, they may occasionally be sufficiently numerous to completely defoliate large trees. Jerald E. Dewey, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org/Wikimedia Commons/CC-SA-3.0. These caterpillars feed on a range of host plants, including birch, cherry, apple, oak, and even some coniferous trees like fir and spruce, and may cause damage to trees when present in significant numbers. All of these helpers, as you may have guessed, were summoned to assist the trees. This tussock moth caterpillar is native. The caterpillars are associated with their various food plants, so if you are looking for a particular species, find out what its larval hosts are, and seek them out. How many stems of eucalyptus for centerpiece? The DFTM is a native insect that experiences outbreaks every 7 to 10 years. Through most of its range, the Definite-Marked Tussock Moth produces one generation per year but in the southernmost areas of its reach, it may produce two generations. Introduction and Catalog. After its introduction, the potential for destruction these critters could wreak became all too clear. Tussock moths survive the winter as fuzzy egg masses that female moths cement to their old pupal cases and cover with hairs. As the caterpillars mature, they develop their characteristic dark tufts of hair at each end. Figure 5. Petersen Field Guide to Moths of Northeastern North America. Hickory tussock moth caterpillars are poisonous to humans and animals if ingested. ENY-276. Photograph by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida. 2004. During the late summer, the caterpillars lay their eggs, which feed on leaves for four to six weeks. Usually the outbreaks last about three years. White-marked tussock moth caterpillars (Orgyia leucostigma) can be pests on orchard trees, but you have to give them credit for looking really nifty. Used with permission. This information is for educational purposes only. Tussock Moth Caterpillars While they can decimate milkweed, their numbers are kept down by predators. Heppner JB. Browse 157 tussock moth stock photos and images available, or search for pale tussock moth caterpillar or white-marked tussock moth caterpillar to find more great stock photos and pictures. The Rusty Tussock Moth, also known as the Vapourer Moth, feeds on willow, apple, hawthorn, cedar, Douglas-fir, and a wide variety of other trees and shrubs. 2011. If you have enough of the milkweed plant for all to feed on, it is okay to leave them be. Photographs by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Although white-marked tussock moth larvae can feed on over 100 plant species, they are considered as one of the important pests of many economically important fruit and nut crops including walnuts, apple, cherries and blueberries. Tussock Moth caterpillars (from the family Lymantriidae) are voracious eaters capable of defoliating entire forests. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. The milkweed tussock moth, also known as the milkweed tiger moth, prefers milkweeds and dogbanes as larval food sources. Also, they are commonly spun in dense masses among the foliage of epiphytic bromeliads (Tillandsia spp.). but I thought I also read that they eat . Although the fir tussock moth is not a highly familiar moth even to most entomologists, an image of an adult male does appear in a popular design used on ornamental paper, wall art, journal covers, purses, and fabric (Tim Holtz, personal communication). The literature frequently describes the females as being wingless. Journal of the Lepidopterists Society 65(4): 270-272. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Gardeners may be concerned if they come across other types of milkweed besides monarch caterpillars. Are milkweed tussock moths beneficial? Spongy Moths belong to the widespread family of tussock moths, some of which show cyclical population booms and crashes. The tussock caterpillars are out in force and they can be quite a nuisance for folks living under or around heavy tree cover. The spongy moth, introduced to our continent from Europe, has caused millions of dollars in damage to forests. Figure 4. Adults lack functional mouthparts and do not eat. Fascicle 22.2 Noctuoidea: Lymantriidae. Division of Plant Industry. Houghton Mifflin Publishing Company. Knowing that species diversity is an essential part of a healthy ecosystem, there is no harm in leaving milkweed tussock caterpillars alone to eat a few milkweed plants. The latter two are highly ornamental and widely available via the nursery trade. Large infestations of Douglas-Fir Tussock Moths can cause severe damage to treesor even kill them. The new family (Erebidae) that the tussock moth subfamily now belongs to joins together several additional moth groups. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Applying a pesticide to mature, migrating caterpillars is a waste . Damage: Although tussock moths are considered minor pests, their outbreaks can be devastating. More importantly, it has hairs with barbs that can stick into your skin and its back contains rash-giving venom. Figure 20. What kind of moth eats milkweed and dogbane? The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. 2009. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 12(1): 140. Ballooning is also important given their propensity for spinning cocoons off their host plants (i.e., on buildings, fences, and other man-made objects). The adult moths do not feed. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Home and Garden Information Cent University of Maryland Extension. Knight HH. We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. They look like fuzzy bedroom slippers or little, calico-colored, fluffy shih tzu puppies. Fir tussock moth (light and dark forms), Orgyia detrita, and whitemarked tussock moth, Orgyia leucostigma, caterpillars. The elongated clumps are sometimes called "pencils." They can be a pest in orchards. You must recognize that species diversity is necessary for the health of an ecosystem. On coniferous trees, the caterpillars feed on new growth, devouring not only the needles but the tender bark on twigs. Lymantriidae-tussock moths, gypsy moth, brown tail moth: Cooperators for Lymantriid Moths Research (P. W. Schaefer) Michael Pogue. The venom has not been adequately characterized. There is a white or yellow line on each side of the dark mid-dorsal line of leucostigma (Ferguson 1978, Godfrey 1987). Much of the older literature places the tussock moths in the family Liparidae and more recently in the Lymantriidae. 110 pp. The Eurasian native Satin Moth (Leucoma salicis) was accidentally introduced to North America in the early 1920s. The most well-known of this group is the extremely poisonous and beautiful Gypsy moth, which is not native to North America. Females are usually flightless, and neither males nor females feed as adults. See "Status" below for more on these taxonomic changes. The caterpillars of the moth family Lymantriidae (from the genus Tussock) consume leaves and stalks and can defoliate entire forests. The 2-week long pupal stage occurs from early to mid April. Insects are very popular in human culture. Periodically, all the small larvae disappear for a day or so to molt into the next growth stage. The stimulus says that (1) a certain species of moth is beneficial in forests that have been over-crowded with immature trees and (2) that we should not attempt to combat the increase in this moth species. Heppner JB. They are omnivorous, focused mainly on milkweed, but will also eat eggs and small caterpillars Leave them if you have enough milkweed to sustain them. Because adult females are flightless, ballooning by young larvae is the major mode of dispersal. Contact dermatitis in daycare facilities. USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org/Wikimedia Commons/CC-SA-3.0. Figure 17. Damage usually starts first at the tops of trees and moves downward. This year, I've noticed the arrival of Tussock Moth caterpillars as one of the first autumnal signs. Images of butterflies and moths are common in movies, art, jewelry, and fabrics. Caterpillars hatch from April to June and develop through several stages (instars) over 30 to 40 days. They are harmless and part of you local ecosystem. However, native milkweed tussock moths have the same inalienable . Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 62(1): 13-28. Sometimes they are called milkweed tiger moths because the larvae are black, white and orange. Princeton University Press. This insect is one of the worlds most invasive species, ranking 100th on the list of most frequently introduced species. Detrita and definita females cover their eggs with a secretion and then rub setae from their bodies onto the secretion to form a protective layer over the eggs. Predators: Tussock moth larvae have various natural enemies. University of Florida. Mature Caterpillar: Fully-grown larvae are 1 to 1.5 inches long. Hossler EW. Classey, Ltd. London. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. 402-472-2123. Caterpillars can cause different patterns of damage to leaves. Check out 12 pictures that will change the way you look at moths. The flightless females remain on their cocoons and release a sex pheromone to attract males. Some species, like the milkweed tussock moth, require specific host plants (in this example, milkweed). During outbreaks, Douglas-fir tussock moth generally acts as a thinning agent that favors the growth of pines and other non-host species by killing and temporarily suppressing the growth of host trees while considerable amounts of foliar nutrients are recycled to the forest floor by larvae. The genus name Orgyia (Greek for the length of the outstretched arms [Borror 1960]), is based on this pose. These caterpillars are attracted to a wide variety of plants, including birch, oak, maple, and basswood trees in the eastern United States. Figure 26. Such a conclusion only makes sense if it turns out that this forest is crowded with immature trees. Louis-Michel Nageleisen, Dpartement de la Sant des Forts, Bugwood.org/Wikimedia Commons/CC-SA-3.0. Photo by William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International Can Tussock Moths Affect People? Orgyia detrita (the fir tussock moth) is the most common of the species in Florida followed by Orgyia leucostigma (the whitemarked tussock moth) and finally Orgyia definita (the definite tussock moth), which is rare in Florida (Foltz 2004). Cruse K, Atrubin D, Loyless T. 2007. Beneficial Insects and Mites. Forestry Archive, Pennsylvania Dept. Foltz (personal communication) counted egg masses on cocoons and found that there were far less than the 50 percent that would be expected based on a 50:50 ratio of females to males obtained by laboratory rearings. People introduced the invasive, destructive spongy moth to North America in a failed attempt to jumpstart a silk-producing industry on our continent. They come in a few different colors but all typically have red heads, two furry projections on their heads, one on the rear, and four dense tufts of hair called tussocks on their backs. This is a venomous caterpillar from Canada known as the White Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar and it's been spotted in northeast Ohio. Wingspreads of Orgyia species are 2.0-3.5 cm (0.78-1.4 in). MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Orgyia sp. The most common form of the bugs we see in north-central Florida is the 'fir tussock moth'. Medina RF, Barbosa P. 2002. Palo Alto, California. Photograph by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida. pupa with spatulate setae. Enantiomers of (Z,Z)-6,9-heneicosadien-11-ol: Sex pheromone components of. Orgyia leucostigma was formerly placed in the genus Hemerocampa. 611 pp. Tussock moth caterpillars are small insects with a voracious appetite. A nun moth will chew the base of a trees needles, allowing the rest of the needle to fall to the ground. Tussock Moth caterpillars (from the family Lymantriidae) are voracious eaters capable of defoliating entire forests. 2005. Female fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) applying secretion to her egg mass. Males emerge before females and fly in search of flightless females. We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. Monarch caterpillars are at serious risk of being attacked by Milkweed tussock caterpillars. Diet and Life Cycle As a group, tiger moth caterpillars feed on a wide range of grasses, garden crops, shrubs, and trees. Douglas Fir Tussock Moth; Douglas Fir Tussock Moth (DFTM) What It Is. If the caterpillar is not actively feeding, it can become a pest, defoliating small trees and shrubs. The wings of female pupae reach only slightly beyond the anterior margin of the fourth abdominal segment while those of male pupae extend nearly to the posterior margin of the segment (Mosher 1916). Young caterpillars feed exclusively on new growth but mature larvae feed on older foliage as well. On Sep 19, 2008, NJTracyJean from Highland Lakes, NJ wrote: Actually, these guys dont take food from monarchsif anything the other way around. As they grow, milkweed tussock moth larvae eventually feed on small veins, but large ones are untouched. Its not hard to figure out that tussock moths get their names from the plush tufts/tussocks that decorate their abdomens. Tim Holtz.com. Adult moths mate and lay eggs in the summer months and caterpillars hatch from those eggs in the late summer and early fall. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Hickory Tussocks eat deciduous elm, ash, oak, willow, nuts, and, of course, hickory trees. Dropping from host plants in response to predators by a polyphagous caterpillar. Look for the caterpillars of the yellow-based tussock moth, Dasychira basiflava, in dry upland woods beginning in late May. Black tufts lengthening and feeding on leaf. Male fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita). Definita is also lighter in body color than the other two species (Foltz 2004). Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Diagram of urticating seta and associated venom gland of whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma). Figure 27. for one to three consecutive years) may slow down plant growth, but plants usually are not killed. Caterpillars and Moths. Tussock Moth Caterpillars. To insect lovers, however, Tussock Moth caterpillars are known for their striking tufts of hair, or tussocks. The caterpillar finishes feeding and molting once warm weather returns, pupating in June. Redrawn from Gilmer (1925) by Jane C. Medley, University of Florida. Journal of Chemical Ecology 29(3): 589-601. This is a male. Many species exhibit four characteristic clumps of bristles on their backs, giving them the appearance of a toothbrush. Then it needs to be staked because it is too tall for its own good. The sex pheromones of Orgyia detrita and Orgyia leucostigma have been characterized (Grant et al. The following wasp parasitoids of Orgyia definita and Orgyia leucostigma are recorded by Krombein et al. Tussock Moths Scientific Name About 30 species in subfamily Lymantriinae (formerly a family) in North America Family Erebidae (tiger, lichen, tussock, and underwing moths) Description About 30 species of this subfamily are found in North America. Goldman et al. Forest insects such as the Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata (McDonnough) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), may be exposed to biochar when the material is applied. Beadle D, Leckie S. 2012. The larvae hatch in late spring when new growth has developed on the host trees. Part 1. (2021, August 31). Females frequently are larger than males, flightless, and may have the wings reduced or absent. Answer Anticipation: To support this argument it'd be helpful to know that most of this forest is unnaturally crowded with . Douglas-fir tussock moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata) is a native defoliator of spruce, Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and true firs (Abies spp. Goldman L, Sawyer F, Levine A, Goldman J, Goldman S, Spinanger B. Now that they have been demoted to a subfamily within the newly created family Erebidae, they are thought of as the "true" tussock moths. Knowing that species diversity is an essential part of a healthy ecosystem, there is no harm in leaving milkweed tussock caterpillars alone to eat a few milkweed plants. ECLECTIC ELEMENTS (PWTH004.TAUPE Butterflight). + Figures. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Hickory tussock moths use their hairs for defense - the hairs are barbed, easily detach, and can become embedded in the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes of potential predators. Many of these (such as the underwing, or catocalid moths) used to be members of the formerly huge family Noctuidae. Females lay eggs in masses of several hundred in the autumn. E.W. Hadley, Debbie. Figure 22. Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida. Check Elk/Bear Permit Application Results, Managing Invasive Species in Your Community, Wildflowers, Grasses and Other Nonwoody Plants. However, it is possible for adult trees that have been defoliated up to 80% percent to still survive. Caterpillars of Eastern North America. This family includes some members that are native to North America, such as the beautiful but destructive Gypsy Moth. Warning: Browntail caterpillars have tiny hairs known to cause a severe rash in humans and should not be handled without protective gloves. Judged on looks alone, these fuzzy caterpillars might appear harmless but touch one with a bare finger and you'll feel as if you've been pricked by fiberglass. Fir tussock moth caterpillar (Orgyia detrita) parasitized by wasps. They have to spend a lot of time and energy to get back up on a leaf to eat. They reach maturity in mid-summer, at which time they pupate on trees, emerging as adults two weeks later. How long do tussock caterpillars cocoon? Douglas-Fir Tussock moths overwinter as eggs, entering a state of diapause (suspended development) until spring. in fact, the Gypsy Moth ranks as one of the "100 of the World's Most Invasive Alien Species," according to the World Conservation Union. 15 pp. After the fourth instar, the caterpillar pupates, and eventually emerges as an adult moth. 1979. Completed cocoon of fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita). The poison is a neurotoxin that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Orgyia detrita: Coastal Plain from Long Island to Florida and Gulf States west to Texas (Ferguson 1978, Wagner 2005, Orgyia detrita entry at North American Moth Photographers Group web site). 134 pp. Male whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma). of 3. In the United States, the Gypsy Moth alone costs millions of dollars to control each year. . Caterpillars reach maturity and wander in search of sites to spin their cocoons in early April in Florida. Several consecutive years of such feeding can kill trees entirely. The ending its life as a larvae is an explosion of colorful tufts of hairs. In spring, they re-emerge and feed again, this time reaching their full size of nearly two inches prior to pupating in June. The Nun Moth (Lymantria monacha), is one Tussock Moth native to Europe that has not made its way to North America. 410 pp. The White-Marked Tussock Moth is a common native of North America and is found throughout the eastern United States and Canada. Those infected with nuclear polyhedrosis virus typically die in a characteristic pose - hanging limp by their prolegs. When they spin their cocoons, the caterpillars incorporate the hairs into the silk so that the cocoons are also protected. Recently molted male fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) pupa (lateral view), Orgyia detrita. Eggs overwinter on the foliage. IFAS Extension. A heavy infestation can leave summer oaks completely stripped of foliage. Dermatologic manifestations of encounters with Lepidoptera. by Marie | Oct 14, 2022 | Invertebrate | 0 comments. They have fuzzy yellow-ish colored bodies with small black stripes. Adult moths mate and lay eggs in the summer months and caterpillars hatch from those eggs in the late summer and early fall. What is the best milkweed for butterflies? Figure 1. 2012, Atrubin & Granger 2006, Cruse et al. Mature larvae are gray caterpillars with numerous red, blue, and yellow spots and four white tufts of hair on their backs, two black tufts on their heads, and one on their tail ends. Fir tussock moth caterpillar (Orgyia detrita) exhibiting pose typical of nuclear polyhedrosis virus (Baculovirus) infection. Every year, the larvae emerge from eggs in spring, with a single generation surviving. The senders were well-meaning Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) enthusiasts who were concerned the tussocks were eating the monarchs out of house and home. ENY-276. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Contact with the cocoons produces the same symptoms. For a detailed taxonomic history and synonyms, see Ferguson (1978). Orgyia definita: Only willow (Salix sp.) These moths are excellent pollinators, with the potential to lay up to 200 eggs. Milkweed Tussock Moth - good or bad - Ask Extension. Pyrphy hairs are a defense mechanism that repels attacks (they are not venomous or poisonous). Tussock moths can be seen every year in Idaho, but a population boom can be expected every 8-10 years. Contact Us. This eating habit results in extensive needle loss when caterpillar populations are high. About 30 species of this subfamily are found in North America. Despite their North American origins, there is an element of abundance to their presence. Other people believe that tussock moth caterpillars are bad because they can cause damage to crops and trees. The Satin Moth has a unique life cycle with one generation each year. Adults are usually quite hairy and generally have subdued colors in shades of brown, gray, or white. Be aware that moths in several additional moth groups are also called "tussock moths" because their caterpillars are similarly hairy with clumps of longer hairs. They are characterized by hair pencils of black setae that extend forward from the prespiracular verrucae of the prothorax, a dorsal hair pencil of black setae on the eighth abdominal segment, dorsal tussocks on the first four abdominal segments, and mid-dorsal glandular structures on abdominal segments six and seven. November 23, 2010. Explosion of colorful tufts of hairs of feeding and molting once warm weather returns pupating. The fish, Forest health Management International can tussock moths, some of which show cyclical population booms crashes. Silk so that the tussock moth native to Europe that has not made its are tussock moths beneficial to America... Completely defoliate large trees lymantriidae-tussock moths, Gypsy moth begin feeding on new growth has on! 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Found throughout the eastern United States, the larvae emerge from eggs in the summer months and hatch! Adult moth, flightless, and, of course, hickory trees that tussock. Are also protected and, of course, hickory trees, or Tussocks cm ( 0.78-1.4 )! Leucostigma ) includes some members that are native to North America numbers are kept down by predators various enemies. To Europe that has not made its way to North America in the early 1920s generations of the dark line! ) Michael Pogue larvae eventually feed on small veins, but can up! The formerly huge family Noctuidae is possible for adult trees that have been defoliated up to under!