Operophtera bruceata

(Hulst, 1886)
Bruce Spanworm

Sort #: 1758 | P3 #: 910282 | MPG #: 7437 | PFG Page #: 192
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Larval substrate: Deciduous trees, incl. Acer (Maple), Fagus (Beech), Populus tremulides (Quaking Aspen), Salix (Willow)
Phenology: Adult: 10/05 to 12/17 (61 records)

Comment: This species is extremely similar to the introduced O. brumata. It occurs all over the State, but due to difficulties for non-specialists to distinguish between the two (see the Winter Moth page), recent records from Eastern Massachusetts are few and far between. According to experts however, it does still occur throughout the State and it has not been 'pushed out' by the Winter Moth. Now that the Winter Moth is better controlled (by a highly specific Tachinid fly, Cyzenis albicans), the Bruce Spanworm might again be easier to find in Eastern Massachusetts.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Fairly widespread, fairly common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1873
Last Year Reported: 2022

Distribution by County: Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Nantucket
Number of Records: 90