Not endangering other plants and residents in the surrounding area, but only having a special fondness for Chongyangmu, the terrifying "sea cucumber worm" runs rampant
Recently, residents in Huangpu District, Putuo District, Pudong New Area and other areas have reported seeing a caterpillar like "sea cucumber" on roadside trees and surrounding roads.
On September 14th, a reporter from Jiefang Daily's Shangguan News learned from the Shanghai Greening Management Guidance Station that after verification, this "sea cucumber insect" is the larva of the Chinese parasol moth. Although it is a leaf eating pest, it has a special liking for Chinese parasol trees and only feeds on their leaves. Therefore, there is no risk of spreading and harming other plants in the surrounding area, and it will not cause harm to humans. If it happens, there is no need to worry.
Experts say that when the Chongyangmu brocade moth is in the mature larval state, its appearance is most similar to sea cucumbers. At this time, its body length is about 2 centimeters, brown, and each body segment has black spots and protruding flesh spines. These black spots and flesh spines are harmless to the human body.
![Not endangering other plants and residents in the surrounding area, but only having a special fondness for Chongyangmu, the terrifying "sea cucumber worm" runs rampant](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/88c493f4e449d9ec7d3fa5ac6b2c3ff7.jpg)
According to their biological characteristics, some larvae will spit silk and droop or descend along tree trunks to find suitable locations to pupate. It is precisely these lower tree larvae that startle those who encounter them during their activity.
Time is like a pig killing knife. The appearance of the adult Chongyangmu brocade moth has completely lost the shadow of sea cucumbers, with a body length of about 2.5 centimeters, two black antennae, a red body, and black wings. Its appearance has a bit of a mysterious and evil villain.
Biodiversity is the foundation of human society's survival and development. As the largest and most diverse animal population on Earth, insects are an indispensable component of the ecosystem and play an important role in maintaining urban ecological balance.
![Not endangering other plants and residents in the surrounding area, but only having a special fondness for Chongyangmu, the terrifying "sea cucumber worm" runs rampant](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/b0bfcec0b901d20a1b06da8c4ff65498.jpg)
Experts say that the vast majority of insects in urban greening are actually harmless to humans. If the number of Chinese parasol moths is controllable, it can also reflect the contribution of street trees in biodiversity and provide people with more opportunities to understand the wonderful relationships between some organisms.
Chongyangmu is a warm temperate tree species that prefers light and warm climates. It can grow in both acidic and slightly alkaline soils, is drought resistant, barren, and can also withstand water and humidity, wind and cold. It grows rapidly and has a well-developed root system.
Originating from the southern region of China, it is now planted as a roadside tree in many parts of Shanghai. In spring, flowers can be observed, and in autumn, fruits and leaves can be observed. Dongxiu Road and Shuiquan Road both feature the shade of Chinese parasol trees. There are also many Chinese parasol trees planted on Miaojiang Road and Huayuangang Road in Huangpu District.
![Not endangering other plants and residents in the surrounding area, but only having a special fondness for Chongyangmu, the terrifying "sea cucumber worm" runs rampant](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/2968240248c701c1e705ed039a250248.jpg)
However, people often overlook the ecological value of the Chinese parasol tree. The Chinese parasol tree moth, which is fed by its leaves, and the fruits it produces in autumn, are important sources of food for many birds. When the Chinese parasol tree moth is in a controllable state, the green management department generally does not intervene too much.
However, in recent years, the Chongyang wood spotted moth has become a more prone pest, and in severe cases, it can devour the leaves of Chongyang wood, which will have a significant negative impact on the regional ecology and the lives of surrounding residents.
According to the green management department, the Chongyangmu spotted moth has four generations a year, and generally enters the peak period of the first generation of larvae in May. It is expected that the fourth generation of larvae will enter the peak period from mid to late September to early October this year. The relevant departments will issue warnings for the occurrence of pests in each generation based on different phenological conditions every year, and provide technical guidance for prevention and control in various areas to control their harm to trees.
![Not endangering other plants and residents in the surrounding area, but only having a special fondness for Chongyangmu, the terrifying "sea cucumber worm" runs rampant](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/0a5dc4241aee91e270a3e3f9120bcd34.jpg)
If residents in the concentrated planting area of Chinese parasol wood find signs of an outbreak of Chinese parasol wood moth, they can promptly contact the greening management department for disposal.
Biting off the Chinese parasol tree, the monovorous Chinese parasol moth will also starve to death. Picture