Watch for and report winter moths

MAINE — The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry asks residents to be on the lookout for winter moths and encourage friends and family to become nature detectives as well.

Winter moths are non-native invasive insects introduced to North America from Europe in the 1930s and have no natural predators to keep the population in check.

Until recently they were not in Maine, now likely introduced into Maine as cocoons in the soil of landscape trees and plants from infested areas in southern New England.

Adult winter moths are active from late November to January whenever the temperature is above freezing.

Males are small, light brown to tan moths. They are attracted to lights and a pheromone released by the females.

Female adults are small, gray, with reduced wings and flightless. They are most commonly found crawling at the base of trees. If you see a winter moth, you can report it at www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/invasive_threats/winter_moth_survey.htm