News 06 Mar, 2020 Asian Gypsy Moth Update 2020 All vessels calling at ports in the Asia Pacific region between May and September should be inspected and “ certified free of Asian Gypsy Moth ” prior to their departure. Download PDF Introduction The Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM, including Lymantria dispar asiatica, Lymantria dispar japonica, Lymantria albescens, Lymantria umbrosa, Lymantria postalba) is a highly destructive forest pest that feeds on both deciduous and coniferous trees. The voracious appetite of AGM larvae (caterpillars) coupled with the ability of the female moth to travel significant distances (as much as 20 nautical miles) can cause widespread defoliation leaving trees weakened and susceptible to disease and other pests. AGM is found primarily in the Far East with a high risk of AGM egg infestation of vessels calling at ports in Korea, Northern China (north of Shanghai; ports north of latitude 31˚15’N), and in particular the Russian Far East and Japan during the flight season of the female moth. Due to their destructive nature, particularly in countries where the pest is not indigenous, the following countries have specific procedures in place to prevent AGM from entering their fragile ecosystem: Australia Canada Chile New Zealand United States AGM Flight Season The main concern to countries attempting to prevent the introduction of the AGM are vessels that have called at ports in the AGM High Risk Area during the previous years “flight season”. The specific timing of the “flight season” differs from country to country. Canada and the United States base their AGM policy on the following areas and flight seasons: Australia, Chile and New Zealand have their own designated flight season areas and dates, which differ slightly from the above. Asian Gypsy Moth Characteristics Male AGMs are greyish brown with a wingspan of 30 to 40 mm. Females are whitish / pale yellow in colour with prominent black marks on the wings and are larger than the male with a wingspan