Taxonomy

Identification

Gypsy moths lay large egg masses on the trunks of a variety of tree species including oak, aspen, willow, birch, apple, and basswood, maple, hickory, elm, and many conifers. Egg masses are about the size of a quarter, are pale buff in color, and are often covered by hairs from the female's abdomen.

Adult females lay eggs in fall and then die. Larvae hatch from the egg masses in spring and begin to feed.

Caterpillars pupate in a cocoon that is most often in a sheltered location. Adults emerge from the cocoon in July and August and begin the new generation. There is one generation of this moth per year.