Gypsy Moth male (Lymantria dispar, Hodges # 8318), family Lymantriidae. Fermilab, Kane County, Illinois, 10 July 2008
2008 marked the entry of Gypsy Moths to the Fermilab site in large numbers.
Gypsy Moth female (Lymantria dispar, Hodges # 8318), family Lymantriidae. Fermilab, Kane County, Illinois, 10 July 2008
The Gypsy Moth female does not fly, but remains on or near the cocoon where it emerged. Males fly around searching for the females by sensing pheromones (a scent) with their feathery antennae. After mating, the female lays an egg mass, again near where it emerged. Thus, the spread of Gypsy Moths occurs primarily by movement of the caterpillars or accidental carrying of any stage on vehicles, etc.