Gypsy Moth Caterpillar / Gusjenica (Lymantria dispar)

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Photo by injica

Published on Project Noah

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45.0677, 13.6525

Field Notes

Description:

The small larvae of the gypsy moth take to the air and are carried by the wind. The larvae spin silken threads and hang from them, waiting for the wind to blow. The light larvae have long hairs that increase their surface area, which are suitable for being carried aloft. It has been hypothesized that storms carried the larva across Lake Michigan to the western shore, the span of dozens of miles.

Habitat:

Found on a Quercus ilex leaf. It is a moth in the family Erebidae of Eurasian origin. It has a range which covers in Europe, Africa, North America.

Notes:

Reference Links:

Lymantria dispar dispar

Species ID Suggestions