The Gypsy Moth, a leaf-eating insect that feasts on more than 500 kinds of trees and shrubs, has been found in DuPage County. Fortunately the gypsy moth has not been found in Clarendon Hills. Females lay between 500 to 1,000 eggs in sheltered areas such as underneath the bark of trees. Eggs are covered with a dense mass of tan or buff-colored hairs, and measure 1.5 inches long by .75 inches wide. Egg masses can be attached to lawn furniture, firewood, vehicles and other things found outdoors.

Eggs typically hatch in spring and the caterpillars grow from 1/16 inch long to about 2 inches long. Caterpillars have five pairs of blue dots followed by six pairs of red dots lining the back. They are dark colored and covered with hairs. Caterpillars can consume as much as one square foot of leaves per day. While the caterpillars do not kill the tree the defoliation can stress the tree and make it susceptible to opportunistic insects or diseases. Gypsy moth caterpillars do not produce a web, distinguishing them from other leaf feeding caterpillars present in spring.

If you believe you have found a gypsy moth egg mass or caterpillars please contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture, toll-free at 1-866-296-MOTH (6684).

Information on gypsy moths including color photographs can be found at the
University of Illinois Extension Service website.