The Winter Moth

The Northern Winter Moth (Operophtera fagata) has been epidemic on south Vancouver Island in Greater Victoria and at several locations north to Sidney.  It is a severe defoliator of broad-leaved plants, notably Garry oak, fruit trees and ornamental trees and shrubs.

The native Bruce spanworm (Operophtera bruceata), which is practically identical to the winter moth in appearance and habits, has been replaces in importance by the winter moth on south Vancouver Island.