The adult moths do not feed and live for only a few days. In its caterpillar stage, the gypsy moth can feed on more than 500 different species of trees and shrubs. Millions of acres of trees are defoliated every year. In 1981, a record 12.9 million acres were defoliated. The amount of tree mortality is dependent on the health of the tree at the time of defoliation.
Factors affecting mortality include tree species, soil moisture, and other stresses.
Trees stressed by drought or other poor growing conditions are less likely to recover after repeated defoliation. In heavy infestations in forested residential areas, the larvae can be a nuisance by swarming around homes and buildings. History Gypsy moths are native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They were brought to America in 1869 by a French naturalist trying to breed them with silkworms. Within a few years, the insect became established in the surrounding woodlands.