Dear Ecologgers: Ive been combing the literature and the internet for information on defoliation outbreaks (particularly info on spatial extents and temporal cycles) for different defoliators that affect the Central Appalachians. In the process Ive become puzzled by a perceived hole in the available information. Particularly, Im interested in the Forest Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria), whose range is said to extend across most of the eastern US. Ive found recent papers about outbreaks in Louisiana, the Carolinas, information from Maine and New England, and of course Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. For some reason, information on the Mid-Atlantic, including parts of central Pennsylvania, Western Maryland, and West Virginia seem under-represented.
Im wondering if anyone knows whether this is because Forest Tent Caterpillar is historically less of a problem in this central part of its range, and if so, Im curious why that might be (host species are abundant throughout this region). If not, Im wondering if it has just fallen into the shadow of the Gypsy Moth and all the research that has gone into studying its spread. Im particularly interested to know of any Forest Tent Caterpillar outbreaks that people know of in the mountainous parts of these Mid-Atlantic States in recent years. I can take answers off list and summarize them if people are interested. Thanks for your help! Jane Foster Department of Forest Ecology and Management University of Wisconsin Madison
