Sunira verberata - Hardwood defoliation near Cooper Landing, AK

Areas of heavy hardwood defoliation were found along Juneau Creek Road near Cooper Landing. Dark-colored caterpillars were found on aspen, birch, willow, cottonwood and wild rose. Some understory aspen had very little leaf surface remaining besides leaf midribs.

These caterpillars appear to be pupating at this time and will emerge as adults in the fall. You can help the Forest Health Protection team track these types of outbreaks by uploading your observations and pictures to iNaturalist.

For more information on Alaska Forest health visit: https://bit.ly/3i0je5Z