SALIDA, Colo. (KRDO) — Fall colors are upon us but some leaves in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest may not be as bright as we’re used to due to a native moth that has been munching on the leaves.
The Large Aspen Tortrix is native to Southern Colorado but came out stronger than normal this spring and ate away some of the aspen leaves we’re used to seeing.
“They’re actually caterpillars at the time. They defoliate the tree and then um sort of turn into moths and flies,” … said
This process happens in the springtime and by midsummer, the leaves begin to repopulate. The only caveat is, sometimes they don’t always return with the same fullness and lushness as before they were eaten.
“Some areas look fairly thin after the defoliation. Even after the leaves come back,” … added.
USFS officials said the moths are usually so few and far between that their impact is hardly noticeable. This spring, they came in droves.
“It’s unusual to have this widespread of an event, it’s the most widespread event I’ve ever seen,” … said.
The good news is, there are plenty of leaves to go around. Many areas of the central part of the state and to the south are expected to hit their peak colors over the next 10 or so days, or event later the further south you go.
Vibrancy of fall colors in Pike-San Isabel National Forest potentially affected by native moths
