Spongy Moth Development
What is phenology?
Phenology is a branch of science dealing with the relations between climate and periodic biological phenomena, such as insect or plant development.
About this phenology model:
The spongy moth phenology information presented here is generated with the GMPHEN model authored by Katherine A. Sheehan with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, using weather data gathered by the WI-MN Cooperative Extension.
GMPHEN is a computer model that uses daily temperature and previously published data to predict the timing for spongy moth and host development. This model simulates spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) egg hatch, larval and pupal development, and budbreak and leaf expansion for six eastern hardwoods. GMPHEN reports the percentage of spongy moths in each life stage, mean life stage, mean percent leaf expansion, and for each host species, percent budbreak and leaf expansion.
How to use the information generated from the model:
The data generated by this model can be used for timing pesticide applications for the control of spongy moth. For more information on control of spongy moth contact your UW-Extension Agent or the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. For more information visit the DATCP page on spongy moth.
Phenological Indicators of Spongy Moth Development
| Indicator Plant | Phenological Event | Spongy Moth Development | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnolia X soulangiana | Saucer cup magnolia | Dropping petals | Hatching |
| Amelanchier | Juneberry | Blooming | Hatching |
| Cercis canadensis | Redbud | Beginning bloom | Hatching |
| Prunis X cistena | Purple leaf sand cherry | Blooming | Hatching |
| Acer plantoides | Norway maple | Late bloom, leafing out | Hatching |
| Spirea X vanhouttei | Bridal wreath spirea | Blooming | Early instars |
| Aesculus hippocastanum | Horse chestnut | Blooming | Early instars |
| Malus ioensis | Prairie crab apple | Blooming | Early instars |
| Lonicera korolkowi 'Zabelii' | 'Zabels' blueleaf honeysuckle | Blooming | Early instars |
| Syringa vulgaris | Common lilac | Blooming | Early instars |
| Quercus spp. | Oaks | Full leaf | Mid instars |
| Spirea X vanhouttei | Bridal wreath spirea | Finished blooming | Mid instars |
| Viburnum dentatum | Arrowwood viburnam | Beginning bloom | Mid instars |
| Viburnum opulus | European cranberry bush | Blooming | Mid instars |
| Weigela florida | Old-fashioned Weigela | Blooming | Mid instars |
| Cornus alternifolia | Pagoda dogwood | Late bloom | Mid instars |
| Spirea nipponica 'Snowmound' | Snowmound spirea | Early bloom | Mid instars |