Loss Prevention 09 May, 2024 Flighted Spongy Moth Complex 2024 Emma Forbes-Gearey Loss Prevention Officer Due to the Flighted Spongy Moth’s destructive nature, particularly in countries where the pest is not indigenous, the following countries have specific procedures in place to prevent FSMC from entering their fragile eco system: Argentina Australia Canada Chile New Zealand United States Details can be found below. Download a pdf of this page Introduction The Flighted Spongy Moth Complex (“FSMC”, including Lymantria dispar asiatica, Lymantria dispar japonica, Lymantria albescens, Lymantria umbrosa, Lymantria postalba) is a highly destructive forest pest that feeds on both deciduous and coniferous trees. The voracious appetite of FSMC larvae (caterpillars) coupled with the ability of the female moth to travel significant distances (as much as 20 nautical miles) can cause widespread defoliation leaving trees weakened and susceptible to disease and other pests. FSMC is found primarily in Asia or Russia with a high risk of FSMC egg infestation of vessels calling at ports in Korea, Northern China (north of Shanghai; ports north of latitude 31˚15’N), and in particular the Russian Far East and Japan during the flight season of the female moth. It is important to highlight that certain countries still employ the former term "Asian Gypsy Moth" (AGM) in their official communications. Nevertheless, these authorities are undergoing a transition towards adopting FSMC. FSMC/AGM Flight Season The main concern to countries attempting to prevent the introduction of the FSMC are vessels that have called at ports in an FSMC High Risk Area during the “flight season”. The specific timing of the “flight season” differs from country to country: Argentina Australia Chile New Zealand United States & Canada Flighted Spongy Moth Complex Characteristics Male FSMCs are greyish brown with a wingspan of 30 to 40 mm. Females are whitish / pale yellow in colour with prominent black marks on t