Gypsy Moth

Gypsy moth has been introduced into British Columbia many times over the last 22 years, however eradication programs have prevented the establishment of this exotic pest in B.C. The European gypsy moth has most commonly been introduced as dormant egg masses on outdoor household articles from eastern Canada and the United States. The Asian gypsy moth has been intercepted on ships and containers from Asia at West Coast sea ports.

European (left) and Asian (right) female gypsy moths. Photo courtesy Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service.	Mature gypsy moth larva showing distinctive markings on head. Photo courtesy Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service.

Appearance

Adult moths vary in appearance. Adult males are tan to brown in colour with irregular black wing markings, feather-like antennae, and a wingspan of 37 to 50 mm. Female adult moths are usually larger, with a wingspan of up to 62 mm. They are whitish in colour with faint darker, wavy bands across the wings. The female European gypsy moth is flightless, however the female Asian gypsy moth is a strong flier. Asian gypsy moths are significantly larger than the European gypsy moths.

Control Programs in British Columbia

There are several cooperating agencies involved in gypsy moth control programs in British Columbia, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Ministry of Forests, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, local health regions, and the municipal governments of communities where gypsy moth have been located.

Please visit the Ministry of Forests Gypsy Moth Website for detailed information on gypsy moth, including trapping results, biology, management, regulations, and news releases.

Impacts of Gypsy Moth

The gypsy moth also has the potential to impact agriculture as it will eat the leaves of fruit trees, blueberries, hazelnuts and several other important crops.

During outbreaks in residential areas in Eastern North America, gypsy moth caterpillars are an extreme nuisance. They can be very abundant, doing extensive damage to trees and shrubs. They sometimes congregate on walks, driveways and buildings as they search for more food. The gypsy moth may also cause a human health hazard because some individuals are allergic to the hairs shed by the caterpillars.

Further Information:

• Gypsy Moth in British Columbia (B.C. Ministry of Forests)

• Gypsy Moth factsheet (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)

• Gypsy Moth - Forest Pest Leaflet (Candian Forest Service)

• Policy Directive D-98-09: Comprehensive Policy to Control the Spread of North American Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar in Canada and the United States (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)