Gypsy moths munch out

It seems as if they’re everywhere—gypsy moth caterpillars—crawling across roads, descending from trees , even climbing up the outsides of our homes. And while there’s no denying that the voracious caterpillars wreak considerable havoc on our forests, their adaptive ability is impressive.

Where did these fascinating creatures come from, and how have they managed to infiltrate our region so effectively? What is the potential impact to our forests, and what can be done to minimize the hungry caterpillars’ effect on the ecosystem?

Learn all about this insect, whose abundant presence profoundly affects our forested landscape, at a free program offered at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, PA, on Saturday, June 17, at seven p.m. Information will be provided about the gypsy moth’s life cycle and the various resources available.

For more information visit fs.fed.us/gt or call 570/296-9630.

TRR photo by Sandy Long
Two of the gypsy moth’s life stages are depicted here. Egg masses, (fuzzy light-tan mounds) which are deposited by flightless female gypsy moths on trees and other sheltered places, typically contain approximately 500 eggs. Pupae (dark cylindrical shapes) shelter the caterpillar as it transforms into an adult moth. (Click for larger version)
TRR photo by Sandy Long
Eggs hatch to become voracious caterpillars, characterized by five pairs of blue tubercles and six pairs of red tubercles along a dark gray body lined with bristly hair. (Click for larger version)