Millions of acres of trees are defoliated annually by Gypsy Moth in the United States. Despite control efforts, the gypsy moth has extended its range, primarily by egg masses and caterpillars carried on vehicles moving from infested areas. It is a real threat to Kentucky's forests of high quality oak lumber, as well as unusual species such as yellowwood and bigleaf magnolia. Gypsy moth is established in states surrounding Kentucky and is right on Kentucky's border. Caterpillars hatch in early spring, feeding on over 300 species of trees and shrubs, although they prefer oaks. The brownish-gray adult males and white females appear in mid-June to July. Females lay furry, buff-colored egg masses (see inset) containing 100 to 1,500 eggs on the underside of tree limbs, bark, rocks, and structures including buildings, campers, mobile homes, etc.

–excerpted from: Gypsy Moth in North America, Sandy Liebhold, USDA Forest Service Northeastern Research Station (Forestry Sciences Laboratory)