Gypsy moths

Photo: John H Ghent, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar asiatica and L. dispar dispar)
Also rosy (or pink) gypsy moth (L. mathura)
Very wide host range, with over 650 known hosts
Egg masses laid on solid surfaces and covered in light tan fuzz
Mature caterpillars are large (50-65 mm long) and hairy with two rows of spots (red and blue) along their back
Moths have greyish-brown wings (30-40 mm wingspan) in males or white with grey markings (40-70 mm) in females
Causes heavy defoliation and larvae may produce webbing
Can spread large distances naturally or with infested plant material

High priority pest of: Apples and pears, Berries, Plantation forestry, Production nurseries, Chestnuts, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Summerfruit, Walnuts

Scientific name: Lymantria dispar and Lymantria mathura
EPPRD Category:
Life Form: Butterflies & moths (LEPIDOPTERA)