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This defoliating insect occurs in the central and southeastern Interior of British Columbia. Although the larvae prefer to feed on herbaceous plants and shrubs such as fireweed, they will attack coniferous seedlings, white spruce and lodgepole pine being most common. This may result in partial or complete defoliation of the seedlings and bud damage.

Points of interest

• adult moths are attracted to recently burned areas to lay their eggs
• due to potential for complete defoliation, local attacks can be devastating, although this insect seldom causes significant damage for more than one season
• average of mature larval or full-grown length is 40 mm

References

Finck, K.E.; Humphreys, P.; Hawkins, G.V. 1989. Field Guide to Pests of Managed Forests in British Columbia. Forestry Canada, Victoria, B.C., and B.C. Ministry of Forests, Victoria, B.C. FRDA Joint Report No. 16. ISBN 0-662-17153-5. 188 p.+ viii.