Western blackheaded budworm: A tiny moth that orchestrates change in an old growth forest

Abstract

Western blackheaded budworms are a natural part of the forests in Southeast Alaska. Typically their populations are low and damage is negligible, but every 30 to 40 years their numbers build up and they become the most significant disturbance agent in the forest. An outbreak is currently underway with damage visible in most communities throughout Southeast Alaska. A look back at previous outbreaks and the impacts will be reviewed as well as the status of the current outbreak.