Thank you for your report! This isn't Spongy moth. This is the European yellow underwing moth, Noctua pronuba. This pest has been established in Oregon for about 20 years now. The caterpillars can be very destructive to seedlings and emerging plants early in the spring/in late winter. Insecticide sprays won’t control them – they are protected by their underground habits. Baits for cutworms are the best controls if they are abundant enough to cause problems.

Thanks for keeping an eye out for invasive pests in Oregon!

Tom Valente
June 20, 2024, 2:55 a.m.