The insect is immobile during this stage and does not feed. It remains in this form for about 10 days. The adults emerge, leaving the pupae cases behind, and begin to search for mates. The tan male moths are about an inch long and are strong fliers. The males search for female moths in a rapid zig-zag pattern.
Females emit a potent sex attractant which lures the male moths.
Eggs are laid shortly after mating, often on tree trunks. The adult gypsy moth does not feed. Reducing Caterpillar Numbers Gypsy moth caterpillar numbers can be reduced using mechanical means. Remove egg masses by scraping them off trees and other objects and dropping them into a soapy water solution and burying them. Reduce large caterpillar numbers by tying a band of burlap or denim or other dark cloth around the trunk of a tree.