By ANNE BESTON
Biosecurity authorities are on the trail of a third moth pest, this time in East Auckland.
Hairy caterpillars found in Mt Wellington on a liquidambar tree last week have been identified as fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), a native of the United States, Canada and Mexico which has spread throughout
Europe and Asia since the 1950s.
At the same time, three crazy ants have been found during routine inspections at the Port of Tauranga. Investigations are continuing today.
Crazy ants are named for their rapid and erratic movement. They are an environmental pest and feed on a wide range of plants including fruit, honeydew and household foods.
The webworm, a member of the tiger moth family, was not thought to be a serious threat to commercial forestry here, said independent forestry consultant Dr Gordon Hosking.
In Canada and Japan the insect has shown a preference for shade and ornamental trees including cherry, sycamore, poplar, willow, white birch and apple.
It is estimated to feed on more than 600 species of plants and trees.
Herald Feature: Environment
