PEST
 
   NAME
     Autumn Gum Moth
     Mnesampela Privata
 
   ORDER
     Lepidoptera
 
   FAMILY
     Geometridae

Description of the Pest
This dark brown moth has a wingspan of up to 40mm. The larvae or caterpillars, which often appear in groups of 3 or 4, cause the damage. The caterpillars are smooth-skinned loopers, with reddish brown longitudinal stripes on a brownish-green body, and two yellowish spots near the centre of their back. They may grow to 35 mm in length. The larva have chewing mouth parts. The adults do not feed.

Life cycle
The moth has a Holometabolous life cycle (complete metamorphosis egg, larva, pupa and adult).
The insect pupates in the soil.

Distribution of the Pest
The pest is widespread across most of Australia, coastal and inland areas and subtropical regions.

Period of Activity
Eggs laid late summer to early autumn. Sometimes the larva can found throughout the year.

Damage Caused
The caterpillars attack foliage - usually the juvenile leaves - during autumn months. The caterpillars chew the surface of the leaves, skeletonising them, these affected leaves turn brown. Older larvae feed on the whole leaf, often leaving only the midrib.
During the day light hours the older larvae rest inside shelters they formed by webbing leaves together, usually at the ends of the branches. Trees above 5 m in height seem to be less affected by this insect pest.

Susceptible Plants
Eucalypts with glaucous juvenile foliage. Eg Tasmanian Blue Gum (E.globulus) & Shining Gum (E. nitens), Corymbia maculate. E. dunnii, E. bridgesiana over 30 species of Eucalyptus

Control

Biological Control
Bacillus thuringiensis  a bacterial disease may be successful against the young larvae.

Chemical Control
May be considered for small trees which are in danger of being defoliated.

Cultural Control
Hand remove the sheltering larva.

Monitoring
Pheromones and light traps.

Note
It is your responsibility by law to read & follow the directions on the label of any pesticide
Amendments by B. Sonsie Dip Hort Sc Burnley