Yellow-tail moth

The Yellow-tail moth (lat. Euproctis xanthorrhoea) belongs to the family Erebidae (subfamily Lymantriinae). It is a significant defoliator, widely recognized in agricultural and forestry sectors as a serious pest that can cause extensive damage to deciduous trees and woody plants.

This species primarily targets a variety of fruit trees, including apple, pear, plum, and cherry, as well as several deciduous forest species like oak. In cases of severe infestations, the larvae can strip entire trees of their foliage, leading to severe physiological stress and reduced vitality.

The biological cycle consists of a single generation per year. Larvae overwinter in communal webs made of silk and dried leaves, securely attached to branches. As soon as temperatures rise in the spring, the larvae emerge to feed voraciously on newly opening buds and young foliage.

The damage is characterized by skeletonization and total defoliation of the crown. A critical aspect of this pest is the presence of urticating hairs on the larvae. These hairs contain toxins that cause intense irritation, dermatitis, and allergic reactions in humans who come into contact with them, making manual removal a delicate task.

• Pruning and destroying overwintering silken nests during the dormant season.
• Applying biological insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis during early larval stages.
• Using systemic insecticides to control heavy populations during peak feeding periods.
• Encouraging natural predators such as birds and parasitic wasps within the orchard ecosystem.