Language selection

Search

AGM – fact sheet

This page is part of the Guidance Document Repository (GDR).

Looking for related documents?
Search for related documents in the Guidance Document Repository

PDF (82 kb)

The moths Lymantria dispar asiatica, Lymantria dispar japonica, Lymantria albescens, Lymantria umbrosa and Lymantria postalba are all commonly referred to as AGM.

The problem

This pest is not known to occur in North America, although there have been incursions and populations have been eradicated.

AGM is an invasive pest. It poses a significant threat to Canada's forests, biodiversity and economy. These moths can feed on a wide range of economically important hosts of agriculture, forestry and horticulture and also hosts of environmental importance.

Ships and cargo – including containers and used vehicles – can carry the egg masses of these moths to Canada from China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and Russia (Far East region). In the right conditions, caterpillars hatch from these egg masses and they can go great distances with the wind to find food.

What you can do to prevent the spread of AGM

Know what the moth and egg mass look like

The female is large in size and capable of sustained flight. They range from white to light grey in colour, with black markings on the wings. They are attracted to light and can lay their egg masses on any surface including cargo containers, marine vessels, vehicles and any other items stored outdoors in areas where AGM is known to occur.

AGM egg masses are 2 to 4 centimetres long. They are gold to dark brown in colour, with fine hairs covering the eggs. They are often found in sheltered areas (for example, out of the rain and direct sun).

Inspect and report

Marine vessels are considered the highest risk pathway for AGM to be introduced to Canada. All marine vessels entering Canada can be inspected, at any time of year, to verify that they are free from AGM. If an inspection finds this moth, at any of its life stages, vessels are not allowed to stay in Canadian waters.

Egg masses should be removed by scraping them off and securing them in a sealed container. Do not paint over egg masses, painting over the egg masses will not kill them.

If you find egg masses resembling the images on this web page, please contact the nearest CFIA office.

Stop the spread of invasive species

An invasive species can be any plant, animal, aquatic life or micro-organism that spreads when introduced outside of its natural distribution. Invasive species can cause serious and often irreversible damage to Canada's ecosystems, economy and society.

The CFIA is the Government of Canada's science-based regulator for animal health, plant protection and food safety. The CFIA plays an important role in protecting Canada's plant resource base from pests and diseases.

Referenced images

AGM - Natural Resources Canada
AGM
Photo Courtesy: Klaus Bolte, NRCAN
AGM egg mass - Canadian Food Inspection Agency
AGM egg mass
Photo Courtesy: CFIA
Painting over egg masses does not kill them - Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Painting over egg masses does not kill them
Photo Courtesy: CFIA
Painting over egg masses does not kill them - Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Painting over egg masses does not kill them
Photo Courtesy: CFIA
Look for moths while calling on ports - Jevic Co. Ltd
Look for moths while calling on ports in China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and Russia (Far East region).
Photo Courtesy: Jevic Co. Ltd
Date modified: