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Complete 6 pages APA formatted article: Asian Gypsy Moth. It feeds on both deciduous and coniferous trees. The female moth is capable of traveling up to 21 nautical miles. Their feeding behavior is known for its devastating effects – it leaves trees weakened and susceptible to disease and other pests (Glare, Hajek, & OCallaghan, 2009). AGM live between the latitudes of 240 and 600 North. Areas under risk of invasion include Japan, South Korea, and North Korea, the Far East, and north China. The AGM’s flight season is when the females lay eggs, and is usually between June and September in southern and central Japan, from June to September in Korea and Northern China, and in August and September in the Russian Far East, including North Japan.

It is believed that female AGMs are active flyers and are attracted to bright lights, meaning that their eggs may be found in the vicinity of exterior lights (Ross, 2005). On the other hand, male AGMs are grayish brown and smaller than the female AGMs. Female AGMs are whitish in color with noticeable black marks on the wings. AGM eggs are velvety in texture. Their colors range from light tan to dark brown. Ross (2005) also noted that these eggs are harder and more resistant to changes in temperature and moisture. It is believed that they are deposited in sheltered areas: for instance, in crevices, behind walls and doors, and underneath framings. The larvae usually hatch in early spring, which is argued to be the high-risk period in countries they have invaded. The major period for egg hatching is in the morning. The larvae climb rapidly to a high point and widely disperse on silken strands by the wind until they find suitable host trees to feed on (Ross, 2005).

Several ships in New Zealand ports have been found to have viable AGM egg masses. These findings have raised awareness of the danger of this particular pest reaching the shores of New Zealand (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, 2008). However, a risk assessment by the ministry of forest concluded it is unavoidable that AGM will reach New Zealand and that their arrival would be devastating.