Subject: October bug
Location: Pasadena Maryland
October 29, 2013 9:02 pm
Hello,
Every October we get a bunch of the bugs in the files below. They live only in one bush in our yard and lay eggs in the light strands I use for halloween. Would you be able to help me identify them?
Thanks!!
Signature: Carrie
Hi Carrie,
This moth is appropriately colored for Halloween. We quickly identified it on BugGuide as a Euonymus Leaf Notcher Moth, Pryeria sinica, and we learned that it is an invasive species. Since Euonymus is a common shrub used in landscaping, we expect that this species may begin to spread to other states, though right now it is only reported from Maryland and Virginia. According to BugGuide: “Introduced from Asia; first found in MD and VA in 2001; it is spreading.” Maryland Department of Agriculture lists it as an Invasive Species of Concern in Maryland. There is an October 2004 update which states: “Pryeria moths are expected to emerge in November. MDA is attempting to delimit the populations of this emerging pest. Marylanders are asked to contact Dick Bean at MDA (410) 841-2743 if you see pupae now, or moths in late October/November.” That number might still be valid and we would suggest that you contact the MDA. Control is probably most effective with the larvae. Since its emergence is timely and since it is a species of concern, we are featuring your submissions as our Bug of the Month for November 2013. Thank you for allowing us to provide a valuable public service announcement to notify people of this invasive species.