Flighted Spongy Moth Complex

Flighted spongy moths are a regulated complex of Lymantria moths and include Lymantria dispar asiatica, Lymantria dispar japonica, Lymantria albescens, Lymantria umbrosa, Lymantria postalba . The flighted spongy moth complex (FSMC, formerly known as Asian gypsy moth) are exotic pests not known to occur in the United States. Although in many ways similar to the spongy moth subspecies, FSMC larvae have been known to feed collectively on over 600 plant species, covering over 100 botanical families. In addition, female FSMC are active flyers that can be capable, in some cases, of flying long distances. This broad range of possible host plants combined with the female’s ability to fly could allow FSMC to spread rapidly into and through uninfested areas.

Large infestations of FSMC can completely defoliate trees, weakening the trees and leaving them more susceptible to disease. If FSMC defoliates trees for 2 or more years, it can lead to the death of large sections of forests, orchards, and landscaping. An introduction into the United States would pose a major threat to the landscape of the North American continent. The goal of the Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is to coordinate with international partners to regulate FSMC on maritime vessels and other pathways before they enter the United States, conduct inspections and surveys, and eradicate isolated populations if found.

Spongy Moth

Spongy moth ( Lymantria dispar dispar , formerly known as European gypsy moth) is a significant nonnative forest pest in the United States and is under quarantine in the Eastern part of the country. PPQ’s goals are to define the extent of the spongy moth infestation, to eradicate isolated populations, and to limit the artificial spread of spongy  moth beyond the infested area through quarantines and an active regulatory program. PPQ’s spongy moth program regulates movement of spongy moth host material from infested areas to other areas of the United States. This program is an effective Federal-State partnership that prevents the establishment of spongy moth in areas of the United States that are not contiguous to current regulated States and counties.

Pest Identification

Flighted Spongy Moth Complex

Spongy Moth

Regulations

IT'S THE LAW! BEFORE MOVING, CHECK FOR THE SPONGY MOTH

Flighted Spongy Moth Complex

Federal Regulation

Revised Special Procedures for Ships Arriving from Areas with Flighted Spongy Moth Complex (FSMC)

Spongy Moth
Spongy moth regulations are posted in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). However, until new quarantines are entered into the CFR, Federal Orders are used to implement the quarantines. Therefore, a comprehensive list of quarantined areas is available for review.

Federal Regulation

Federal Orders

Quarantine Information

Regulated Areas

Regulated Articles

Federal Spongy Moth Quarantine Interactive Map

Management

Environmental Documents

Spongy Moth Program Manual

Flighted Spongy Moth Complex Survey and Response Guidelines

USDA’s APHIS and U.S. Forest Service Slow the Spread Project

Slow the Spread Foundation Web Site

U.S. Forest Service: Lymantria dispar Digest

Vessel Information - Flighted Spongy Moth Complex

Joint FSMC bulletin USDA CFIA

Publications and Outreach

Your Next Move Spongy Moth-Free Website

Factsheet/Checklist: It's the Law: Before Moving, Check for the Spongy Moth

Spongy Moth Partner Toolkit

Contacts:

For inquiries about domestic spongy moth activities, please contact:

Kathryn Bronsky
National Policy Manager
Telephone: 301-851-2147
E-mail: [email protected]

For inquiries about flighted spongy moth complex vessel inspections, please contact:

Ingrid Asmundsson
FSMC Offshore Program Director
Telephone: 301-851-2235
E-mail: [email protected]