Giant Moths from Asia

I introduce to you the Hokkaido gypsy moth:


Ugly little sucker, eh?


And nasty too.  Read this:

Washington state is bracing for invasion of another supersize invasive insect. This one, the Hokkaido gypsy moth, can destroy trees.

Gov. Jay Inslee issued an emergency proclamation last week, warning that the moths have been discovered in parts of Snohomish County, which is northeast of Seattle.

Hokkaido gypsy moths never have been observed before in the United States. They are exotic pests that can do "widespread damage" when hundreds of voracious caterpillars hatch, Karla Salp, a spokeswoman for the Washington Department of Agriculture, told UPI.

"We see European gypsy moths every year, but these Asian moths are more dangerous because they can fly up to 20 miles and their caterpillars can eat a broader range of host plants," Salp said.

If the pest becomes established in the state, it would threaten forest ecosystems and could lead to quarantine restrictions on commercial lumber and horticulture, state experts fear.

YIKES!

(https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2020/05/11/Giant-Asian-gypsy-moth-threatens-trees-in-Washington/6351588876757/?ur3=1)


And there's more here:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/05/12/giant-asian-gypsy-moths-attack-washington-state/3111191001/


In these 2 articles, there are multiple types of gypsy moths mentioned;  that said, I found this visual aid that helped me understand (actually...... kinda understand) the differences.

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)


Grace & Peace & Love to you all -

Matt

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