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Life History
The gypsy moth has one generation each year and overwinters in the egg stage. Eggs in warm sunny places begin to hatch in April, and the hatch continues for two to three weeks. Tiny caterpillars soon climb up trees and begin feeding on the new leaves. Natural spread occurs during this stage when the small, hairy caterpillars suspend themselves on silk threads and are picked up by the wind. Usually, “ballooning” caterpillars land on nearby trees, but if the wind is favorable, they can travel several miles.
Young caterpillars chew small holes in the leaves during the day and rest on the foliage at night. In contrast, larger caterpillars feed mostly at night and crawl down the tree to rest in protected shady spots during the day. During outbreaks, however, when areas are overcrowded with mature caterpillars, they will feed day and night to try to satisfy their hunger. When fullgrown, each is capable of devouring several leaves per day. This stage is present from early June through early July. Short-distance dispersal may occur at this time, when hungry caterpillars wander in search of more food or hiding places in which to pupate.
Plants Attacked
The gypsy moth is know to feed on over 500 types of trees and shrubs. Preferred hosts include oak, willow, apple, alder, poplar, sumac, larch, birch, and many others. In addition, pine, spruce, and hemlock are fed upon by large caterpillars during severe infestations if other host plants are available nearby on which they can begin their development. Plants which are usually avoided include: arborvitae, ash. azalea, catalpa. cedar, dogwood, holly, locust, sycamore, tulip poplar, and walnut.
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