🚨Invasive species alert!

🚨 The Spongy Moth is an invasive species that threatens North Carolina forests by feeding the leaves of hardwood trees like oaks, maples, and birches. Repeated defoliation can weaken trees and leave forests vulnerable to diseases and other types of pests. How to spot them: 🔍Fuzzy caterpillars with blue and red dots along their backs 🔍Tan egg masses are attached to tree bark, firewood, vehicles, or other outdoor equipment 🔍Large patches of damage or stripped leaves in the spring and summer 🔍Adult males are brown and can fly, while females are larger, white, and cannot fly Fun Fact: Female spongy moths lay egg masses that can contain hundreds of eggs, helping populations spread quickly. Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/57xe8udk #ForestryFactFriday 📸Photo credit: University of Wisconsin-Madsion