Large Number of Moths

Observation: Last year there was a large infestation of caterpillars in the area, wondering if that is why we have all the moths this spring, did they freeze and come to life once it thawed? Does this mean we are going to have another high number of caterpillars this summer? Also it was reported that there were a large number of moose that had died this past winter, and they seem to be starving, wondering if it could be related to the high caterpillar rate?

UAF Cooperative Extension Service Consult: Jessie Moan, State IPM Technician writes, "It is hard for me to say exactly what this is based on the photo because so many of our moths look very similar to each other. However, we have had several observations of high numbers of caterpillars last fall and high numbers of moths this spring from throughout Western Alaska. Based on the information we have so far, there is nothing to suggest that this is an invasive species. But we are continuing to look into the identification of these moths to see if it is a single species or multiple species that are causing the problems. If anyone would like to contribute moth or caterpillar samples, I would be happy to provide information on how to do that and coordinate getting them to the appropriate person." Source: University of Alaska Fairbanks

LEO says: We have also shared this observation with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Wildlife Conservation (ADF&G DWC).