How does the gypsy moth spread from one area to another?
Gypsy moth caterpillars hatch from eggs during bud-breaking which occurs in mid-spring. Although the caterpillars are capable of feeding on over 500 species of trees and shrubs, they prefer broadleaved trees. The adult male and female gypsy moths are easily distinguished from one another; the males are brownish-grey, whereas the females are white with black markings and are slightly larger. The females mate and then lay eggs. Since the females are incapable of flight, the eggs may be laid on picnic tables, outdoor benches or in the cracks of a fallen tree. In many cases the eggs are laid in secluded spots to prevent predation by other animals. When someone inadvertently transports the egg masses on an outdoor article to a new un-infested area, the gypsy moth has lived up to its name.
