Gypsy Moths

Gypsy Moths Lymantria dispar
Order: Lepidoptera - Family: Lymantriidae
Adult:
Moths emerge in late July and early August. It's easy to tell the difference between the adult male and female gypsy moths. Male moths are brownish-gray and have small bodies and well-developed wings. The females are mostly white with black markings and larger than the males. The male gypsy moths emerge one or two days before the females. Unlike the males, European gypsy moth females can't fly. There is a type of Asian gypsy moth female that can fly! After emerging from the cocoon, female moths give off a pheromone (chemical) which attracts males for mating.
Egg:
Eggs are laid mostly in July and do not hatch until the spring. The females lay oval-shaped egg masses. The fuzzy, creamy white egg masses, covered with yellow hairs from the adult female, contain 100 to 1,500 eggs and are laid on the underside of tree limbs, bark, rocks, and structures including buildings, campers, mobile homes, etc. These eggs hatch the following year in late April and May. Short distance spread results when small caterpillars are blown by the wind, a process known as "ballooning". These tiny caterpillars are so small and light that they can float quite a distance in a strong wind. Long distance spread of the gypsy moth occurs when egg masses are unknowingly transported from infested areas on vehicles.
Pupa: Reddish-brown. Lasts about 2 weeks.