Oaks are among most preferred host species.
Gypsy moth was accidentally introduced to North America in 1868-69 near Boston and since that time it has been spreading mainly to the west and south. Since 1980, the spread of gypsy moth is accurately documented using data on male moth counts in pheromone-baited traps. Short-distance dispersal results from larval dispersal. It was suggested that detection and eradication of isolated colonies bejond the population front may reduce the rate at which gypsy moth populations are spreading. A barrier zone was set just ahead of the population front with a dense grid of pheromone traps.