Emerging Threats This organism is not known to be present in the United States but if introduced, it may pose a threat to American plant resources. Oak Processionary Moth Thaumetopoea processionea The oak processionary moth (OPM) does not exist in the U.S. but poses a serious threat to oaks if introduced. OPM larvae strip If you notice leaves from trees across large regions, a healthy tree damaging ecosystems and reducing suddenly showing timber yields. unusual signs of Additionally, OPM larvae have toxic damage or decline, hairs that cause skin rashes and this could indicate the mild to severe respiratory irritation presence of an invasive in people, pets and livestock. pest or pathogen. Oak processionary moth © Dennis van de Water Global trade and travel Signs & Pathways provide the most ymptoms common pathways for invasive pests. The highest S risk for introduction of OPM exists in accidental transportation of eggs on host plants intended for planting. OPM eggs are cryptic and could be overlooked at points of entry. As its name suggests, the oak A Hosts processionary moth prefers to feed on oak and will occasionally feed on beech. When populations are high, larvae may feed on birch, hawthorn, hornbeam, walnut and black locust. A relative of OPM, the pine processionary moth, feeds exclusively on conifers. (See back for more information.) on oaks, look for... • Defoliation B C • Larvae feeding on foliage OPM larvae and • Large processions (hundreds to thousands) of larvae A&B defoliation • Conspicuous nests on trunks and branches of hosts C OPM nest Rash caused by THE FIRST DETECTOR PROGRAM D OPM exposure D www.firstdetector.org Photos: A © Louis-Michel Nageleisen, Département de la Santé des Forêts, bugwood.org; B © Bartlett Tree Experts; C © Forest Research, UK Forestry Commission; D © Henry Kuppen, Forest Research, UK Forestry Commission. Identifying oak processionary moth If you think you’ve found The oak processionary moth is easy to recognize by its this pest in your landscape, behavior—long nose-to-tail processions of larvae. Older immediately follow instructions online to find larvae feed at night, traveling in procession from their out how to report its presence! Awareness, early nests at dusk to feed in the canopy. At dawn, larvae detection, and rapid reporting are essential to return to their nests for the day. prevent this exotic insect from establishing. Spring & Summer Identification must be confirmed by USDA Watch for OPM larval National Identification Services (NIS). You can processions at dawn and dusk. ensure they are informed by reporting at: Do NOT touch! OPM's https://firstdetector.org/report-pest larvae poisonous hairs cause mild to severe skin and respiratory reactions. As larvae mature, they build nests on the trunks and Take Action! branches of oaks. If you see 1. know the threats a nest, do not touch it! Nests Learn more about oak processionary moth and contain OPMs’ noxious hairs. other emerging threats including: Late Summer & Early Fall OPM adults emerge from nests their nests and may be seen mating nearby. Japanese pine Tremex Siberian OPM adults are small, fuzzy sawyer wood wasp silk moth moths that measure about half an inch at rest. 2. learn to report You can easily and rapidly report the presence Photos from top: Bartlett actual size of oak processionary moth and other pests and Tree Experts, UK; Wolfgang adults Wagner; and lower two images pathogens online! Use the reporting link above Crown Copyright. Used with to access our online report form. permission from the UK Forestry Commission. Learn more about identifying and reporting signs and symptoms of an invasive pest outbreak by taking free online First Detector Pine courses at www.firstdetector.org. processionary moth Closely related to OPM, pine 3. prevent spread processionary moth (PPM) larvae To avoid spreading harmful pests and diseases, also travel in long nose-to-tail don’t move plants or plant parts to new processions and make large locations. When traveling, buy local fruit/ communal nests (shown) in the vegetables and firewood, and always check foliage of pine trees. your vehicle for stowaway pests! photo (cc) John Ghent, bugwood.org Thaumetopoea pityocampa You can protect our plant resources from introduced pests and diseases by www.firstdetector.org becoming a First Detector. reporting tools • pest profiles • e-learning courses Learn more and get involved! identification guides • educator resources.