Fall Canker worm moth adult females (black) and males (with wings)

Thought you might like to see another photo courtesy of Karen Snape on the maple tree she banded.

Caledon Fall Canker Worm Research Project
A college student is conducting a research project at several area parks, including Caledon State Park.  He was kind enough to share his King George information with me.  He banded 4 trees at Caledon, and has trapped 6, 53, 495 and 727 female moths for a total of 1281!  I've not counted mine, but don't think I've seen anywhere near 500 moths on any one tree.

Female moth with eggs

Female moths will lay eggs below your bands.  Watch for these and do not remove bands until after eggs have hatched.  If your bands are full in spring, either replace or add another band above to capture hatching larvae as they move up the tree.

Two female moths with eggs - notice eggs near top left of photo.

Happy New Year!  And the fall canker worms are on the move.  I've had reports from Presidential Lakes, The Meadows, Rt. 206, Eden Estates, and can see lots of moths at my house in the Jersey area at the south end of the county.  We've got them crawling on the house for the first time that I've noticed.  I also had an email from another KG resident who has them on the house and sent a great photo of the adult female.  Thank you for telling me about your moths, and I hope it helps us save our trees.  Enjoy (?) the new photos.

Adult female. Head is up, one leg extended.

Males caught in the wrap, females show as dark spots near the bottom of the band.

The banded tree.

Another shot of banding.  More females on this tree and fewer males.