Gypsy Moth

The Gypsy Moth has been found in a subdivision in Lisle. The infestation is currently contained and the Department of Agriculture has been notified. Gypsy Moth larvae feed on the leaves of trees, causing major defoliation. Depending on the health of the tree and the number of consecutive defoliations, a tree can either survive and experience only a slight reduction in radial growth or weaken and die.
Gypsy Moth Egg Mass
Egg Mass Identification
Egg Masses are tan with a hairy, spongy-like texture. They vary in length between 1 and 1 1/2 inches and contain between 500 to 1000 eggs. Egg masses are found in sheltered locations on trees, buildings, garden equipment, and outdoor furniture.
Gypsy Moth Larva
Larva Identification
LarvaLarvae are black or brown and about 1/4 inch in length. Each of the 11 sections of a developed larvae will have 2 colored spots, the first 5 pairs, blue, and the last 6, red. Mature larvae can be as long as 2 1/2 inches.
Gypsy Moth Pupa
Pupa Identification
Pupae have a reddish-brown shell and attach themselves to surfaces with silk threads. Female pupas are larger than male pupas.
Gypsy Moth
Moth Identification
Male gypsy moths are brownish gray with brown irregular lines and dark brown dots along the outer wing margins. They have a wingspan of approximately 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches and have the ability to fly. Female gypsy moths are yellowish and have narrow, wavy lines and dark brown dots paralleling the outer wing margins. They have a windspan of 1 1/8 to 2 1/2 inches, and cannot fly.
Oak Host Tree
Host Trees
Gypsy moths prefer oak, aspen, maple, and elm trees, but also feed on apple, sweetgum, speckled alder, basswood, gray and white birch, poplar, willow, and hawthorn trees. They avoid ash, yellow-poplar, sycamore, butternut, black walnut, catalpa, flowering dogwood, balsam fir, red cedar, American holly, and shrubs.
Identify your property's trees with help from the National Arbor Day Foundation website.