Spongy (Gypsy) Moth

The spongy moth, Lymantria dispar (Linnaeus), is a polyphagous defoliator belonging to the family Erebidae. Mature larvae are distinctively hairy, 50-65 mm long, with five pairs of blue spots followed by six pairs of red spots along their dorsal surface. Adult males have a wingspan of 30-40 mm, are brownish and good fliers, while females are larger (50-60 mm wingspan), whitish, and flightless. A single generation occurs annually. Eggs are laid in masses, typically covered with buff-colored hairs from the female's abdomen, overwintering on tree trunks and other surfaces. Hatching occurs in spring, with larval development lasting 6-8 weeks.

Upon hatching, young larvae may exhibit ballooning, dispersing to new host trees by spinning silk threads and being carried by wind. Larvae are primarily nocturnal feeders, resting in sheltered locations during the day. As they mature, they consume significant amounts of foliage. Pupation occurs in crevices or on bark, characterized by a dark brown pupa. Adult males are active fliers, searching for flightless females that release pheromones to attract mates. Females lay a single egg mass, containing several hundred to over a thousand eggs, before dying.