Since 1970, defoliation in the United States has exceeded 500,000 acres annually. In 1984, the first gypsy moth was found in Colorado. Description and Life Cycle First appearing in late April or early May, the young caterpillars can be blown several miles on the wind. Larval hairs, while irritating and a possible cause of rashes in some people, are not normally considered poisonous. In July, the caterpillars enter the pupal or cocoon stage.
Pupae are dark brown with buff-colored clumps of hair.
Adult moths emerge within two weeks. Adult females are nearly white with wavy dark bands across the forewings. Females do not fly but will crawl short distances. Adults do not feed and live only about a week, during which mating occurs. Females lay eggs in August and early September.