Gypsy Moth

The Gypsy Moth's feeding occurs in the "instar" stage or the period between each moult. Once it reaches full maturity, the moth stops feeding.

Gypsy MothLymantria Dispar

Maryland Invasive Species

Over time, the lymantria dispar has become one of North America's most devastating forest pests. Action has been taken by individual homeowners, state governments, and the USDA Forest Service. Millions of acres of land have been aerially sprayed with pesticides. Natural predators, both native and invasive, do their part to suppress the population.

These pests feed from early spring until early July during the night. Their tree of choice is decidious, but if infestations are heavy, they'll attack almost anything at anytime during the day. Gypsy Moth catepillars will completely defoliate trees in most cases. Continuing instances of defoliation can fatally weaken a tree, leave it vulnerable to other insects or disease, and result in tree mortality.

The Eurasian evolved Gypsy Moth was introduced near Boston when E. Leopold Trouvelot attempted to start a silk worm indistry in 1869. The pest began to spread down the coast, devouring it's lush decidious foliage.