The Lymantria Dispar, also known as the Flighted Spongy Moth Complex (FSMC), is a species of moths, native to China, far-East Russia, and other countries of the Asia-Pacific, such as Japan and Korea.

Spongy refers to the characteristic of the moth eggs which resemble a sponge-like mass. FSMC is a highly destructive pest posing a severe biosecurity risk. If transferred to non-native locations, the FSMC population is also less likely to encounter limitations imposed by natural barriers, such as predators, parasites, viruses, and competing species.

LIFE CYCLE AND FLIGHT SEASON

The FSMC life cycle progresses through several stages, transforming from eggs to caterpillars, then evolving into pupae encased in cocoons, before reaching the adult stage as the final phase. Caterpillars feeding on leaves cause the destruction that renders FSMC a biosecurity risk.

Full advisory at the following link .

https://britanniapandi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Flighted-Spongy-Moth-Complex-Guidance.pdf