^Brf THE SATIN MOTH AN INTRODUCED ENEMY OF POPLARS AND WILLOWS A. F. BURGESS Entomologist in Charge of Gipsy Motli and Brown-tail Moth Investigations Rows of 25-Year-Old Carolina Poplars. A favorite food of the Satin Moth UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR 167 Contribution from the Bureau of Entomology L. O. HOWARD, Chief Washington, D. C. Issued May, 1921 WASHINGTON : COVERNMENT PRINTINQ OFFICE : 1921 Mm OfiTajpijj ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE PROCURED FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS GOVHRNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON, D. C. AT 5 CENTS PER COPY ( P.^'ARY OF CONGRfeSS • OCT 3 1933 •\«irisn»r« '.t(;i)«*t-"r, C.) The}^ are very conspicuous and are easily distinguished from the egg masses of other moths. Dissections .shoM- that a female usually produces about 550 eggs, although some Fig. 2. — The satin moth ; Male above, female below. Enlarged. individuals la}^ a larger number. If the female is disturbed she fre- quently deposits more than one cluster. She may fly from the place where egg laying was begun and continue the operation in another locality. Although the eggs are usually laid on the underside of the The Satin Moth. Fig. 3. — The satin luotli : o, Toplar leaf partially skeletonized by small lai-vae (small larva shown below leaf) ; h, ejrg cluster on leaf ; c, egg cluster on bark. 8 Dcparlmciit Circular 167, F. S. Dept. of Agriculture. leaves and on the branches and trunks of the trees, they are sometime^ deposited on grass, Aveeds, or stones, and even on the ground if no. more convenient j^lace is available. In 1920 the first eggs were observed in the field July 6, and an unhatched cluster was found as late as August 10. This indicate- that egcr laying sometimes continues for about a month. Most of the eggs were deposited about the middle of Jul3\ Hatching takes place in about 15 days after the eggs are laid, but this period is frequently shorter if the weather is hot. THE LARV^. First-stage larvcv. — Newly hatched larvse are 2 mm. long. The head is brownish black, provided on front with a few short spines, the mouthparts lighter in color. The body is brownish yellow, with rows of slightly darker tubercles, which are thickly studded with short brown spines and with a small number of long hairs. Molting takes place in five or six days. Second-stage larva" (fig. 3, A). — Larvse of the second stage are 4 mm. in length. The body is brownish black, except the dorsum of the second and third thoracic and the third, fourth, fifth, eighth, and ninth abdominal segments, which are yellowish white. The dorsum of the sixth and seventh abdominal segments are each pro- vided with a retractile tubercle. All tubercles except the latter are thickly studded with short brown spines and a few long hairs. After feeding five or six days the larva molts again. Third-stage larva> and their Jiihernating pockets. — In the third stage the larvse are 6 mm. in length. The body is slightly darker in color than in the preceding stage and the tubercles are similarly arranged. This makes the light colors on the dorsum more con- spicuous. The larvse immediately seek shelter and begin the con- struction of a small web, in which they hibernate. As a rule these are made individually, but occasionally two or sometimes three larvae Avill be found in one of tliese hibernating pockets. Crevices or uneven places in the bark are sought by the larvse, and if the cavity is not sufficiently deep a small amount of bark is excavated. The cavity is then lined with silk and the larva spins a cover over the entrance. After this is accomplished the larva contracts some- what in size and is usually about 4 mm. long during the winter and somewhat thicker than when it is active. The exposed surfaces of these pockets are usually flat and are made so nicely and so closely resemble the bark that they are difficult to see. They are circular to oval in form, the shape depending on the contour of the crevice in which they are made. The length is about 4 mm. Many of these pockets have been found on the trunks of large Carolina poplar trees (fig. 4), and it was at first thought that the bulk of the larvse hibernate near the ground. Examinations have shown that the pockets are present high in the trees and on the The Satin Moth. 9 branches Avherever small inequalities in the bark are present. Some webs liave been taken on branches 60 feet from tiie "-round and others Fig. 4. — Hibernating wi'bs or pockets of small larvae in tree trunk. Several webs arc encircled with a white lino to show their location. There are other webs on this bark. on small twi<>s and attached to the scars where leaves have fallen. While it is probable that most of the larvse remain in the pockets 10 Departmeni (Arcnlar 167, T. S. Dept. of Agriculture. tluring the winter, a feAV cases have been noted where they have deserted them temporarily during the falL On December 15, 1920, Mr. F. H. Mosher reported that a small number of the larvae were crawling on the tree trunks at the Medford colony. The weather was warm and had been preceded by several warm days. The hibernation pockets are verj' inconspicuous and it is difficult to find them even on a tree that is rather heavily infested. This lieing the case the insect could have been brought to this country very easil}' on poplar or willow trees or possibly on other species or on bits of infested bark that was mixed in packing material. The color of the webs resembles the bark so closely that they can be overlooked very easily by the most careful inspector. Feeding of the small caterpillars is confined to the epidermis of both sides of the leaves, but if the infestation is severe most of the foliage on the trees may be denuded so that onl}^ the ribs and frame- work remain (fig. 3, JL). As most of this feeding occurs during the first half of August, many of the leaves that are only partially eaten turn brown and drop earlier than normal. While feeding at this time of the year does not injure the trees as severely as the defoliation by the larger larvae of the previous brood earlier in the season, it renders them unsightly and is objectionable, particularly if they are planted for ornamental purposes. Observations in the field during 1920 indicated that feeding by the small larvie was confined principally to different species of pop- lar, the Carolina, Lombardy, Balm of Gilead, and silver leaf show- ing the most defoliation. In the laboratory experiments wnllow was equally favored, but the small larvae starved rather than feed on' alder, apple, gray birch, elm, red oak, and white oak. A few small larvae in the laboratory survived on black-oak foliage and went into hibernation in a normal manner. This food plant may therefore be important, as it is rather common in some sections of New England. Emergence in the spring has not been observed in this country, but the larvae probably come out of the webs and begin feeding as soon as sufficient foliage is available. After passing through several molts they become full grown about July 1. Full-grown larvit (fig. 5, T, D). — Larvae when full grown are 45 to 50 mm. long. The head is bluish black and covered with short hairs. The bodj' is black, mottled with white markings of irregulai* shape. These form distinct subdorsal lines on each segment of the body and are enlarged into an additional row of somewhat square white blotches on the dorsum of each segment. The latter are char- acteristic of this species, make it conspicuous, and enable it to be readily recognizable. The rows of tubercles are brown, and pro- vided with many spines and hairs that are slightly lighter in color. After feeding is completed the larvae seek shelter and spin loose cocoons. Manv of these are made bv drawiner together the edges of The Satin Moth. 11 leaves on the trees. Cocoons are sometimes made in crevices in the bark, in rubbish near the base of trees, or on the sides of buildings. THE PUP^. The pupa (fig. 5, A, Bj E). — The pupa is 20 to 25 mm. in length and 5 to 7 mm. wide at the base of the abdomen. It is shiny black, densely covered Avith long white silky hairs, except on the venter, where the hairs are scarce. The pupa can easily be seen within the cocoon. Pupation was at the maximum by July 6. The time spent in the pupal stage averages nine days. The first moth was found July 2 and for the next two weeks the number increased. EUROPEAN RECORDS. This species is common in Europe and is mentioned briefly in the writings of many European entomologists. It is reported as com- mon in England and Ireland and throughout Europe, its range ex- tending from Spain to Eastern Asia and as far north as Norway, and it is said to be present in the Orient. One authority states that it occurs from Lapland to middle Italy and from England to Peking. A number of different races have been noted b}^ collectors and are distinguished by variations in the coloration of the wings. When abundant the moths are said to ^j in swarms and to migrate long distances. The larvae feed chiefly on poplar and willow, but one report states that oak foliage is eaten in England. Usually the insect is controlled by parasites and natural enemies and is not considered as a pest of first rank. Some authorities state that the eggs ordinarily do not hatch until spring, but occasionally hatching takes place in July or August if the weather is hot, and the small larvae hibernate during the winter. DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES.' Scouting work to determine the extent to which the insect has spread in the United States was begun about the middle of July. As it was supposed that the infestation was local and extended for only a short distance around the area that was known to be badly infested, directions were given the men to examine poplars and willows and cover the immediate surroundings of the colony and gradually increase the circle if more infested trees were found. Spe- cial instructions were given to make careful search for the large larvae or pupae, as the finding of these would indicate that the insect had been present in this locality during the summer of 1919. So many infested trees were found that a new plan of scouting was adopted after the first week, the men being instructed to work in the cities or towns nearest the infested center and to move out to the ^ In July, 1920, a small colony of this insect was discovered by Mr. J. D. Tothill, of the Entomological Branch, Dominion of Canada, at New Westminster, a suburb of Van- couver, British Columbia. 12 Department Circular 167, V. S. Dept. of Agriculture. Fig. 5.— The satin moth: a, pupa, ventral view: b. pupa, lateral view; c, two full- growii larva? on bark (a gipsy moth larva is shown on each side of photograph in crevices of bark); d. full-grown larva; e, leaf cut away to show hairy pSm n cocoon (larval molt skin shown above pupa). «, i. a. e, enlargedrc rSeS The Satin Moth. 13 next town as soon as infestation Avas found. This plan was followed until the scouting was completed. Most of the work north and west of Boston, with the exception of some towns in the Cape Ann region, was done b}^ scouts from the Bureau of Entomology, while the region above mentioned and a number of towns south of Boston were scouted by regular assistants of the Massachusetts State forester's office. A number of town and city gipsy-moth superintendents found and re- FiG. 6. — Map of territory infested with tlie satin motli. ported the moth from their municipalities, and this helped materially in securing prompt information on the spread of the insect. As a result of this work the insect is now known to occur over an area of G42 square miles, including 60 towns in Massachusetts and 4 in New Hampshire. Large larvse or pupse were found in man^^ of the towns indicated on the map (fig. 6) as discovered infested in 1920, Avhich shows that they were infested the previous year; in fact, 51 of the G4 towns were so infested. 14 Department Circular 167, V. S. Dept. of Agriculture. Although no infestation was found in a few towns that are sur- rounded by infested towns, this does not indicate that the insect is not present there. Scouting was done in them rather late to secure the best results, and in some of them poplar and willow trees are A-ery scarce. As is the case with most introduced insects in this region, the trend of spread has been toward the north and northeast. This is undoubtedly due to the direction of the prevailing wind at the time the moths are flying. AGE OF THE COLONY. The remains of the egg clusters of the satin moth do not adhere to the trees very long after hatcliing taJ^es place. For this reason it is rery difficult to secure information of value relative to the age of the infestations found. The worst infestation was in the area along the parkway at the Medford-Malden line, and there is no doubt that the insect has been in this locality, probably in small numbers, for several yeai-s. Informa- tion from persons residing in this section does not throw much light on the subject, as few have been able to distinguish this insect from the gipsy moth. The latter has occurred in sufficient numbers in this locality during some years to cause much annoyance and complaint. Several men who work on the parkway state that the insect was present in considerable numbers in this particular locality in 1919, and that it was probably there before that time. Mr. C. V. Black- burn took a few moths at electric lights in Stoneham in the summer of 1919, and he states that they were rather common at the same lights in 1920. In Watertown a single Lombardy poplar was found badly infested by the local moth superintendent, Mr. Van D. Horton, in July, 1920, and Mr. Horton states that the same species was present the previous year, but in less numbei-s. v A rather bad infestation was found in Cambridge, and Mr. Dug- gan, who had pruned and cared for the trees in 1918, states that the satin moth was present at that time, although he supposed that it was a native insect. It is probable that the insect has been in this country for several years and has only become abundant enough to spread very rapidly during the past two or three years. While it is impossible to determine the original source of the in- festation, it is quite probable that the insect was brought into this country during the dormant season in crevices of bark on live or dead trees, and bits of infested bark that might be mixed in packing ma- terial could easily furnish a means of transporting the insect. As previously stated, the hibernating webs of the small larvee concealed in the crevices of bark are so inconspicuous as to pass by the most careful inspection unnoticed. The Satin Moth. 15 NATURAL ENEMIES. The European publications indicate that the satin moth is ex- tensively attacked by parasites. It is fortunate, therefore, that some of the foreign parasites of the gipsy moth are already well established in the infested area in New England. Some of the first field observations showed that the imported Calosoma beetle {CaZosoma sycophmita L.), which is one of the valuable insect enemies of the gipsy moth, was attacking the larvae and pupae of the satin moth. Both the adults and larvae of the beetles were doing valiant service- A few days later heavy parasitism of the large larvae of the satin moth by Compsilura concinnata Meigen, another imported gipsy moth enemy, was noted. A number of the records secured indicated that it was causing higher mortality than Calosoma. Both of these bene- ficial insects are abundant in the central area infested by the gipsy moth, and Calosoma was found actively at work in some of the small infestations in other towns. A small hymenopterous parasite has been reared from the eggs of Stil'pnotia sallcis. It has been determined as Telenomus calif omicus Ashm. by Mr. R. M. Fonts, of the Bureau of Entomology. The prospect of control of this insect by parasites is encouraging, but it may be necessary to bring in from Europe some of its enemies that do not exist here at present. REMEDIES. Time has not permitted experiments to be conducted to determine the most eifective remedies. The larvae were so nearly full-grown at the time they were first found that spraying did not prove effectual. Later, after tlie eggs began to hatch, the trees on the Parkway were sprayed with arsenate of lead and a number of trees on private grounds were similarly treated. This spraying was partially effec- tive, and on some of the trees feeding by the small larvae was greatly reduced. The leaves of poplar trees do not hold spray material as well as most foliage, hence special care in treatment and the addi- tion of a " sticker," such as soft soap, is advisable. Application of creosote to the egg clusters will destroy the eggs, but it is an expensive method on account of the labor involved and is only partially effective, because many egg clustei-s are deposited on small branches and on the leaves and these can not be satisfactorily treated. It is impractical to require workmen to do extensive climbing in poplar trees, as the brittle nature of the wood, and in this region the results of the work of borers, particularly the leopard moth {Zeuzera 'pyrina Fab.), render such work hazardous. It was hoped that spraying with a contact insecticide while the tre.es were dormant would destroy the hibernating larvae, but as they 16 Department Circular 167, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. make many of their webs on the twigs and in the tops of the trees, this method appears to be impracticable. In all probability spring spraying will prove satisfactory, al- though no opportunity has been presented to test this method. With our present knowledge of the insect, the following treatment seems advisable for the season of 1921 : Spray poplars and willows as soon as they are in full leaf with arsenate of lead at the rate of 10 pounds to 100 gallons of water, using soft soap for a " sticker." If the infestation is severe, it may be necessary to repeat the opera- tion by the middle of June. If Qgg clusters are abundant on the trees in July, spray again Avith the same material about August 1. If these suggestions are followed and the amount of spraying is governed by the density of infestation, satisfactory results should be secured. The experience of a full year's work on this insect will probably result in a modification of these recommendations. PROBABLE IMPORTANCE OF THE SPECIES. To predict the ultimate importance of a newly introduced insect is rather hazardous. If the feeding is confined to the poplars and willows the damage Avill be greatly restricted. While these trees are not considered of prime economic importance, there are certain areas where they grow satisfactorily that Avill not support more use- ful species. They are also effective for ornamental planting in cer- tain situations and are valuable for this purpose. Should the species change its menu to oak or other trees that are useful and common in this country, the status of the problem will be greatly changed. Another season will doubtless give the necessar}^ opportunity to de- termine the destructive possibilities of this insect. In the meantime, local moth superintendents, tree wardens, and others who are engaged in the protection of trees from insect pests should make sure whether or not the insect is present in the terri- tory that comes mider their supervision and, if so, apply the spray- ing program suggested. The danger of the shipment of this insect to uninfested territory is considerable. As it is practically impossible to guard against this l)ossibility by inspecting trees during the dormant season, special efforts should be made to examine the favored food plants of the insect during July and August to determine whether the insect is present. While this applies to the nurseries within the infested area, it is necessary that the work be done in the areas surrounding them if the danger of spread on shipments is to l)e eliminated. In cases where infestation is found the treatment recommended should be applied immediately. o LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ODDDflfl'^ODlfl