GYPSY MOTH
Biology
- Eggs are laid in masses.
- Egg masses are a buff color, irregular in shape, and covered with hair from the female.
- Eggs hatch in mid-spring.
- Larvae pass through 5-6 stages (instars) before they enter the pupae stage.
- Adult females are white with black markings.
- Adult males are tan.
- Females are incapable of flight.
Distribution/Habits
- Gypsy Moths are pests of trees and ornamentals.
- Egg masses are often found on the underside of tree branches.
- Larvae disfigure several types of trees, but most commonly oak and aspen.
- Larvae feed on tree leaves during the day and hide under debris at night.
- Newly hatched larvae travel by hanging from trees by silken threads – they are then caught by the wind and distributed.
- Adult females can be found clinging to tree limbs.
- Adult males are usually fluttering around the females.
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