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AGM (Lymantria albescens, Lymantria umbrosa, Lymantria postalba, Lymantria dispar japonica and Lymantria dispar asiatica)

A partnership on an AGM eradication response in the Township of Langley, British Columbia

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is working with the British Columbia (BC) Ministry of Forests, Land, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) and other stakeholders on an eradication response in 2022, following the detection of AGM in the Township of Langley, BC in 2021.

adult female - Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada

The AGM (Lymantria albescens, Lymantria umbrosa, Lymantria postalba, Lymantria dispar japonica and Lymantria dispar asiatica) is an invasive insect. It poses a significant threat to Canada's forests, biodiversity and economy. These moths can feed on a wide range of economically important tree species, as well as other important plants.

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).

Female AGM can fly and disperse rapidly in search of food and to lay eggs. AGM can also "hitchhike" on goods and vehicles. Females have been known to lay eggs on cars, heavy equipment, recreational vehicles (RVs), ships, rail cars, trailers and shipping containers. They have also been known to lay eggs on firewood, logs, outdoor furniture, and other items which may have been stored outside. If left undiscovered on any of these items, and then moved to other areas, these egg masses can hatch to become new populations of this destructive moth. Find out how to get rid of them.

It is not known to occur in North America, although introductions of the insect have been detected and eradicated. If you find it in western Canada, please report it!

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