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GYPSY MOTH
Mature larva of the GYPSY MOTH. |
| Other |
Tussock moth |
| Species |
Lymantria dispar |
| Known hosts in other states: |
Apple Malus pumila
Black tupelo Nyssa sylvatica
Hawthorns Crataegus spp.
Maples Acer spp.
Oaks Quercus spp.
Willows Salix spp. |
| Potential hosts in Florida: |
Laurel oak Quercus laurifolia
Live oak Quercus virginiana
Loblolly pine Pinus taeda
Longleaf pine Pinus palustris
Sand pine Pinus clausa
Slash pine Pinus elliottii
Southern red cedar Juniperus silicicola
Water oak Quercus nigra
Other hardwoods and softwoods
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Description |
Adult -- male has dark brown head and body; feathery antennae; front pair of wings with blackish bands; wingspan approximately 35 mm. Female almost entirely white; stout abdomen with yellowish hairs; wingspan approximately 50 mm.
Pupa -- size of adult; mahogany color; scattered reddish hair.
Larva -- variable size, approximately 50 mm long when mature; black and yellow mottled head; double row of 5 blue spots followed by 6 red spots on back; body brownish-gray; tufts of light and dark brown hairs.
Egg -- thick buff-colored mat composed of hairs and 75-1000 eggs. |
Importance |
Few documented infestations have appeared in Florida, however, the continued southward spread from northern states suggests the likelihood of established populations in the future. Its impact as a public nuisance and on the shade tree and forest resource can be significant. |
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Adult moths emerge from pupal cases by early to midsummer, mate, and females lay eggs on tree trunks or under protective items. The larvae emerge the following spring and readily disperse on silk strands. Older larvae eat entire leaves, feed at night. Pupate by early to midsummer in sheltered areas. |
| Number of Generations |
1 generation per year. |
Signs
of Infestation |
Loss of foliage. Falling frass (dark pellet-like) of caterpillar excrement). Caterpillars clustered on lower tree trunks and under leaf litter, rocks, and other objects. Egg masses in sheltered areas. Crown thinning and/or branch dieback. |
Control |
- Gypsy moth outbreaks are not as predictable in duration as native pest insects. Generally, several years may pass before the population crashes. Use an approved insecticide for high-value trees or for extremely damaging caterpillar population.
IMPORTANT: NOTIFY YOUR LOCAL COUNTY FORESTER IF YOU SUSPECT THE PEST INSECT IS THE GYPSY MOTH. CHECK THE DESCRIPTION FOR THE FOREST TENT CATERPILLAR.
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Bulletin No. 196-A | Printed October, 1983 | Contact the
Forest Health Section 
