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Gypsy Moth - Lymantria dispar

gypsy moth caterpillar
gypsy moth caterpillar© USFS

The gypsy moth is on the worst pest list of The Nature Conservancy's North Carolina coastal region.

It is one of North America's most devastating forest pests. The gypsy moth is known to feed on the foliage of at least 500 species, including hardwoods and conifer trees, as well as shrubs and vines. Gypsy moth defoliation is especially detrimental because it occurs when growth is most active and food reserves are lowest. When infested with gypsy moths, tree tops may become thin and off color, and buds and branches may die. 

Whether or not a tree dies following gypsy moth attack depends on its health, the number and severity of prior defoliations, and the presence of fungi or insects that attack stressed trees.

The female gypsy moth deposits her eggs in a well-formed, buff-colored egg mass containing 75 to 1,000 eggs. The larvae usually emerge at budbreak of most hardwood trees. Early stage larvae chew small holes at the leaf edges. Late stage larvae feed at night, unless high densities prompt continuous feeding. These are the stages that causes noticeable defoliation.

Male moths are strong fliers and are usually most active during the day. They fly in zigzag patterns searching tree trunks for the flightless females which attract males by releasing a strong sex attractant. Soon after mating, the female deposits eggs in a single mass, usually in the same location where she pupated.