Satin moth
Last updated on January 30, 2025Leucoma salicis
The satin moth, a defoliator, was introduced to North America from Europe and was first detected in British Columbia in 1920.
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Description
Adults are large, silvery white moths. Larvae are 3.5 to 4.5 cm long and are a medium grey / brown with a double row of shiny yellowish blotches.
Adults emerge from pupae in July, and flat light green eggs are laid in masses with a whitish secretion from early July to late August on leaves, twigs, branches, and trunks of host trees, or indiscriminately on other objects.
The satin moth is found on Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley and throughout southern and central British Columbia.
Host tree species
Black cottonwood, hybrid poplars, willow, and trembling aspen are attacked by the satin moth.
Damage symptoms
Damage to trees is most noticeable in June when late instar larvae consume whole new leaves, except the petioles and major veins. Satin moths can completely defoliate trees, and repeated severe defoliation can result in reduced radial growth, topkill and tree mortality.
Further reading
Learn more about the satin moth in the Field Guide to Forest Damage in B.C. (PDF, 6.5MB)