Summary:

European spongy moths are an invasive species devistating U.S. forests, they eat the leaves of a variety of trees.

With the help of high-resolution satellite imagery of forest canopies, researchers created an algorithm that can accurately predict moth outbreaks, based on a defoliation index.

The algorithm has helped researchers pick up on characteristic patterns in leaf shedding and regrowth associated with moth outbreaks.

European spongy moth outbreaks have previously been hard to manage, because they are scattered and locations change quickly. WIth this new knowledge, land managers can be alerted about high risk areas and take measures to quickly prevent or manage an outbreak.