Woolly harpy

The woolly harpy (Harpyia lanigera) is a moth species belonging to the order Lepidoptera and the family Notodontidae. As a herbivorous insect, it is recognized as a potential pest that affects various woody plants, often found in both forest ecosystems and cultivated landscapes.

The host plants for this pest primarily include broad-leaved trees. While they have a natural affinity for willow and poplar species, in orchard environments, they can infest pome and stone fruit trees, feeding on the foliage and impacting the overall health of the vegetation.

The biological cycle of the woolly harpy consists of complete metamorphosis. These insects typically overwinter in the pupal stage, encased within silk cocoons camouflaged on bark or within crevices of the tree trunk. Adult emergence occurs in spring, followed by oviposition on the host leaves.

The larvae are responsible for the damage, as they consume leaf tissue during their development. When populations reach high densities, the caterpillars cause significant defoliation. This loss of leaf area reduces the tree's ability to photosynthesize, weakening the plant and potentially reducing fruit quality and yield.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the most effective approach for controlling this pest. Strategies include physical removal in small infestations, maintaining biodiversity to support natural predators, and applying targeted insecticides when the larvae are in their early, most vulnerable instars.

• Manual collection of larvae during the initial stage.
• Monitoring using pheromone traps where applicable.
• Application of selective insecticides to minimize impact on beneficial insects.