Gypsy Moth - Lymantria dispar.

Gypsy Moth - Lymantria dispar. A macro moth species from the family of Erebidae sub family Lymantriinae. Also known as the Spongy moth. The male has a prominent crescent-shaped black reniform mark and a black orbicular spot. The whitish, cumbersome females are much larger than the males, and cannot fly well. In the early part of the 19th century, this was a common species in the East Anglian and southern fens, but by about 1900 had become extinct as a breeding species. Since 1995 the species has been resident in small numbers in parts of London and may now be spreading in England. The moth has a wingspan of 48 to 53 mm the female 59 to 65 mm The moth as one generation from July to August. The moth’s habitat favours well-wooded areas. The larval foodplants are a range of deciduous trees and in Europe, the species is classed as a common pest. The moth is classified nationally as a rare immigrant and rare resident species of the UK.

Tags: Gypsy Moth - Lymantria dispar.