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Siberian Moth
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Siberian Moth

Siberian moth, Dendrolimus superans sibiricus (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

The Siberian moth, Dendrolimus superans sibiricus (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), is the most destructive defoliator of coniferous forests in northern Asia. Recent outbreaks of the moth caused defoliation of more than 1 million ha of fir and larch forests in Siberia, Russia. Populations of this species do not yet occur in the North America, but the moth is potentially a threat to forests here. A blend of Z5,E7-dodecadienal and Z5,E7-dodecadienol was found to be a potent attractant for male Siberian moths. This sex attractant will be used for monitoring around U.S. ports of entry to provide a first line of defense against this potentially devastating exotic pest.