| Protecting Forests Through Early Detection of the Exotic Pest Lymantria bantaizana |
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| Investigators |
| Dr. Gerhard Gries, Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University
Dr. Paul Schaefer, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Laboratory
Dr. Tadao Gotoh, Tohoku Research Centre, Japan
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What is the Issue? |
| FOREIGN FOREST PEST INFESTATION |
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The moth Lymantria bantaizana is a close relative of the gypsy moth, L. dispar. It occurs in Japan, China and possibly Korea. In Japan, it is part of the Lymantria community, consisting of L. dispar, L. monacha (nun moth), L. mathura (pink gypsy moth), L. monomonis, L. fumida, L. xylina (casuarina moth), and L. lucescens. This moth is a potential threat to the forests of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Northern California. The communication biology of L. bantaizana is completely unknown. The objective of this study, therefore, is to identify the pheromone of this species. This information will enhance understanding of how closely related species maintain specificity of their communication channels in a complex community. In addition, this research will also allow development of pheromone-based detection surveys of exotic L. bantaizana in North America.
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What is our goal? |
| PROTECTING OUR NATIVE FORESTS.
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| Protecting forests through early detection of exotic pests. |
Where we currently stand. |
| This project is in the preliminary phase. The Global Forest quarantine facility at Simon Fraser University will be used to assist in the early phases of understanding the pheremones of this moth.
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You can help this project - find out how. |
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