Accident – Death – Obituary News :
While residents of Chicago were shocked to discover the presence of the spotted lanternfly in Illinois last year, experts are now urging action against this invasive insect, as well as another destructive species that has been causing significant damage with less attention.
The Threat of the Spongy Moth
The spongy moth, previously known as the gypsy moth, has been a long-standing presence in Illinois, capable of defoliating vast areas of land by stripping leaves and killing trees. Kathryn Bronsky, a national policy manager at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, emphasised the importance of not only preventing spongy moths from destroying trees in the 20 states they currently inhabit but also limiting their spread across the country.
According to Greg Dwyer, a professor of ecology and evolution at the University of Chicago, spongy moths lay their eggs in masses, which can be found on various surfaces such as barbeques, patio furniture, and backyard grills. These egg masses, cream in colour and spongy in texture, can contain up to 1,000 eggs, which begin hatching in spring.
Impact on Hardwood Trees
Spongy moths feed on a range of hardwood trees, including oaks, and have caused significant damage to hundreds of thousands of acres of forest in states like Michigan. Dwyer highlighted the voracious nature of the spongy moth, noting that high numbers of these insects can lead to extensive defoliation and deployment across vast areas.
The Spotted Lanternfly Menace
On the other hand, the spotted lanternfly prefers items such as grapes, hops, and hardwoods like walnut trees. Matthew Travis, the spotted lanternfly national policy manager at the USDA, pointed out the threat posed by this insect to agricultural communities that rely on these plants for products like grape juice, wine, and beer.
Travis revealed that the spotted lanternfly made its way to Chicago in 2023, initially found near railroads – a common pathway for invasive species. While the extent of the lanternfly’s presence in Chicago this summer remains uncertain, residents are advised to be on the lookout for the insect’s dark egg masses.
Combatting the Invasive Species
Tricia Bethke, the Morton Arboretum’s forest pest outreach coordinator, stressed the importance of eliminating spongy moths in their egg stage to prevent widespread damage to trees. She highlighted the cumulative impact of factors like climate change, which, when combined with spongy moth infestations, can lead to a decline in forest areas.
Bethke explained that spongy moths exist in their caterpillar stage for about seven weeks, with the most active period being early summer. She credited the collaboration between the USDA, U.S. Forest Service, and the Illinois Department of Agriculture for mitigating spongy moth populations in high-risk counties through early-stage spraying.
Preventative Measures
This year, Jo Daviess County and Carroll County were identified as counties with elevated spongy moth counts, prompting preemptive spraying efforts. Bethke also mentioned the effectiveness of pheromone spraying and trapping in curbing spongy moth numbers in Illinois.
Bronsky urged Illinois residents to be vigilant in identifying and removing spongy moth egg masses from trees and outdoor items to prevent accidental spread. She emphasised the importance of disposing of these masses in sealed containers to prevent further infestation.
.