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Leucoma salicis

White satin moth

Description

Wingspan 37-50 mm. The glossy surface of the wings gives rise to this moth\'s English name. The female is larger than the male. In August females lay eggs on the leaves or twigs of trees. Its larvae are quite similar to those of gypsy moth, however, they have more orange and above all white spots on their back. After overwintering, young larvae begin feeding early in spring and they cause defoliation of stands already in late April and in early May (unlike gypsy moth which damages stands later, at the end of May). They consume completely all leaves so that only stems are left. Larvae pupate in June and moths fly in July. Occurrence of this pest is limited to the lowlands. Defoliation of poplar plantations and tree-lined avenues is occasionally caused by this pest.