Poplar tent-maker

The poplar tent-maker (Pygaera inclusa) is a moth belonging to the Notodontidae family, within the order Lepidoptera. It is recognized as a significant defoliator in various ecosystems, particularly in plantations where its host trees are cultivated on a large scale.

This pest primarily targets trees of the Salicaceae family, specifically poplar (Populus) and willow (Salix) species. It is a common problem in nurseries and young forest stands, where the feeding behavior of larvae can lead to serious economic losses for timber producers and nursery managers.

The life cycle involves four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult moth. The insect usually produces one or two generations per year, depending on the latitude and local climate. Pupation typically takes place within a silk cocoon hidden among leaves or in the bark crevices of the host tree.

The damage is caused exclusively by the larval stage. Young larvae feed gregariously, skeletonizing the leaves by consuming the tissue between the veins. As they mature, they consume entire leaves, potentially causing severe defoliation. Repeated attacks over several seasons significantly weaken the host trees, making them susceptible to diseases and environmental stress.

Effective management strategies require a multi-faceted approach to pest control:

• regular field scouting to identify early signs of larval colonies;
• manual removal of infested foliage in smaller-scale settings;
• application of microbial insecticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, for targeted control;
• encouraging natural predators and parasitoids that help regulate the population density of the tent-maker.