Epinotia and the fir trees: native species, new damage – investigating a recent imbalance

Since 2017, this small caterpillar has been inflicting spectacular damage on French fir forests: browned needles, reduced growth, and in some cases increased tree mortality. The phenomenon was first reported in the Lachens massif by the Forest Health Department (DSF).

To better understand this emergence, the DSF asked our unit, URFM, to get involved. We aim to measure the extent of the damage, its distribution, and to deepen our knowledge of the insect’s biology. Several possible explanations are being explored for its rapid spread: climate change, drought, physiological weakening of the trees, or an imbalance with its natural predators.

To address these questions, this year we carried out a field campaign with the support of ONF, CRPF, the Mercantour National Park, and Natura 2000 site managers.

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