Archived Content

Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the Contact Us page.

Satin Moth in British Columbia

By N. Humphreys

Introduction

The satin moth, Leucoma salicis (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), is an important defolia-tor of poplars. This insect is native to Europe and Asia and was first recorded in North America in 1920 in both New England and south-western British Columbia. Since then, it has spread throughout eastern Canada, and damaging outbreaks were recorded from 1967-94 in Newfoundland, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and the Maritime provinces. In British Columbia it has spread to Vancouver Island and throughout the southern and central interior. Periodic, localized outbreaks have occurred in these areas from 1921 to 1995. Although previously thought to be primarily a pest of shade, park or windbreak trees, thousands of hectares of trembling aspen, Populus tremuloides (Michx.), and black cot-tonwood, P. trichocarpa Torr. & A. Gray, have been severely defoliated in natural stands resulting in lost incre-ment, top-kill and tree mortality.

For more information, see the Satin Moth in British Columbia Forest Pest Leaflet in the Canadian Forest Service bookstore.