Spongy moths

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

Spongy 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)

Pest Documents

• Asian spongy moth FS Nursery & Garden
• Spongy moth FS Plantation forestry
• Asian spongy moth FS Apple & Pear
• Spongy moth CP
• Spongy moth DP

FS: fact sheet

CP: contingency plan

DP: diagnostic protocol