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The gypsy moth has four stages in its deve-
lopment: egg, caterpiller, pupa, and moth.
It has one generation each year. Buff-colored
egg masses that are covered with hairs from
the female's belly are laid on just about any
object outside, from tree trunks to rocks and
deer blinds. They begin to lay their egg
masses around the middle of July and usually
lasts about 3-5 weeks. The eggs will over-
winter as they are and begin to hatch the
following spring in April and May.
The newly hatched caterpillars are about 1/4
inch long and reach a length of 2 inches by
the time they mature. The older caterpillars
are very distinctive looking with their dark
body & pairs of blue spots followed by pairs of
red spots along their back. They have long,
dark hairs projecting from their sides.
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Gypsy Moth Life Cycle |
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The caterpillars begin to feed soon after hatching and feed through late June or early July. Then
they will seek out a sheltered place to pupate. Pupae are usually found under pieces of bark, in
crevices, under branches, or in any other protected place; however, when populations are high,
the caterpillars will pupate just about anywhere.
The adult moths will begin to emerge in July. The males are smaller than the heavier-bodied
females. They have brownish colored wings with many darker brown marking on them. Their
wingspan is about 1 1/2 inches and they are strong fliers. The females have white wings with
smaller, darker brown markings and a wingspan of about 2 inches. The females do not fly, but
stay pretty close to where their pupation site, where they release a pheromone (scent) to attract
the males. After mating, each female lays a single egg mass that may contain up to 1,500 eggs
before she dies. |
