It has spread southward into Virginia and is continuing to move south. Favored host species are oak, apple, alder, basswood, birch, poplar, sweetgum, willow, and hawthorn. Less favored are hickory, maple, cherry, cottonwood, elm, blackgum, larch, sassafras, and hornbean.
Some mortality even occurs in white pine.
It causes widespread defoliation, resulting in reduced growth, loss of vigor, mortality, and reduces aesthetic, recreational, and wildlife values. Gypsy moth larvae can be a serious nuisance in urban and recreation areas. Identifying the Insect. Older larvae are brownish-gray, with tufts of hair on each segment and a double row of five pairs of blue spots, followed by six pairs of red spots, on the back. Adult male moths are dark brown, with wavy dark bands across the forewings.