Calliteara pudibunda

Pale tussock

Description

This medium-sized insect is a pest of European beech forests. The female lays grey eggs in groups of 50-100 in one layer on the tree trunk, making them difficult to find. The larvae hatch in June-July and are a nice yellowish-green color with four groups of longer yellow bristles on the upper side, among which are velvet-black notches. They pupate before autumn and overwinter as pupae. At first, young larvae make holes in leaves, but later instars feed on all of them. Damage can be seen at the end of August to September. With a frequency of about 30 years, this pest can cause outbreaks and defoliation of pure beech stands. The defoliations are severe, and caterpillars can consume all the leaves in the forest. However, the impact of defoliation on the health of beech forests is not as serious as if defoliation had taken place in the spring. Outbreaks usually collapse after 2-3 years due to high mortality of caterpillars caused by pathogens.

Symptom

The damage is usually visible at the end of July and in August (September). During gradation, caterpillars often consume all leaves and also all the green matter in the stand. On the leaves, conspicuous green-yellow caterpillars can be seen.

Tree Species: Beech, Cherry, Oak, Hornbeam, Apple Tree

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes

Seasonal frequency of occurrence