Identification and life cycle

Established throughout NE US; not in Kentucky (yet)
1 generation per year
winters as eggs
caterpillars (larvae) are early season foliage feeders
over 450 host plants, mostly deciduous trees (prefers oaks)
Look for egg masses on vertical surfaces, caterpillars up to 2 1/2” (hairy, red and blue dots along length) in May-June, tattered foliage on oaks, caterpillar waste (frass) at base of tree

Impacts - forest and urban pests

Human: tourism and aesthetics, economic (quarantine), nuisance pests (wandering caterpillars, urticating hairs, frass production)
Tree: normally re-flushes; can sustain 3-4 yr defoliation, increases susceptibility to Armillaria root rot fungus, two-lined chestnut borer; xeric sites most susceptible
Stand: widespread oak mortality – potential shift in stand composition; effects acorn production, wildlife distribution patterns, leaching, nutrient cycling, watershed characteristics

Status

The gypsy moth is not established in Kentucky, though there are multiple moth catches each year. A pro-active trapping program is in place in Kentucky and other uninfested states.

Action

contact appropriate authorities immediately if you suspect gypsy moth
pro-active silvicultural practices, maintain tree vigor and stand diversity

Links

Kentucky's Office of the State Entomologist Gypsy Moth Information page