Gypsy Moth

Lymantria dispar

Brought to New England in 1869, the Gypsy Moth has proved to be a pest. The female lays many eggs on tree trunks. After the caterpillars (larvae) hatch from the eggs, they begin eating leaves, sometimes stripping a whole forest in one season. If you listen carefully, you can hear the caterpillars' waste pellets (called frass) dropping!

Look For : A gray, hairy caterpillar with five pairs of blue bumps and six pairs of red bumps on its back; up to 2" long . The female moth has white wings with dark spots; the male's wings are speckled brown.

Length : Female 2 3/4". Male 1/8-1 5/8".

Habitat : Forests.

Range : East to Midwest.