Poplar hawk moth.

[MattyF]

Interested to hear peoples views on this... and im guessing at the momment Many poplars i see failing are due to this moth?? it seems every tree i look at large or small has the holes around the base from the larva and every one that is felled or falls down looks like this around the base.

It seems the larve cause decay???

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[geoff]

Would that be the brown tailed moth?

[MattyF]

not sure thats why i am asking but they seem to be eating quite a lot

[Mick Stockbridge]

I'm certainly no expert but I doubt the larvae are causing the rot, more like the eggs are being laid there cos of the rot.

[geoff]

I removed a row of 20 or so mature pops,all attacked by bt moth.

the bore holes up to about 2 feet from ground level,in long grass.

Watha the caterpillers,as they are hairy,and will cause a VERY unpleasant rash if they get on you.(lasted about four days when I had one down me keks)!

[MattyF]

I'm certainly no expert but I doubt the larvae are causing the rot, more like the eggs are being laid there cos of the rot.

 

probably mick i would like to find out more as nothing i have seems to go in to detail...

 

interesting geoff the worste ones i have seen are in long grass too you could push them over they where that rotten!

[Amelanchier]

I'm certainly no expert but I doubt the larvae are causing the rot, more like the eggs are being laid there cos of the rot.

 

I'm no expert either, but I'm inclined to agree.

 

Brown tailed moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) tends to prefer hawthorn round these parts so on the balance of probability I'd go with your orignal diagnosis Matty.

 

Ever seen one up close? Fantastic looking things.

[Amelanchier]

Forgot what I meant to post! - It won't be Poplar Hawk Moth (Laothoe populi) as their lifecycle occurs on the foliage and in the soil, not in the timber.

 

What you probably have is Hornet Moth aka Hornet Clearwing (Sesia apiformis).

[Amelanchier]

Laothoe populi

 

Sesia apiformis

[MattyF]

Quick google and it says its very rare in england?? every tree i looked at in the last 2 years has holes in the base??