{"id":3967,"date":"2010-12-22T12:00:23","date_gmt":"2010-12-22T17:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/"},"modified":"2023-02-03T15:37:12","modified_gmt":"2023-02-03T20:37:12","slug":"5024e","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/ipddl\/publications\/5024e\/","title":{"rendered":"Spongy Moth (Lymantria Dispar)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n \n \"Print\n <\/a>\n <\/div><\/h3>\n

Pest Management Fact Sheet #5024<\/h3>\n

James F. Dill, Pest Management Specialist
\nClay A. Kirby, Insect Diagnostician
\nCharles D. Armstrong, Cranberry Professional & Staff Entomologist
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu<\/a>.<\/strong>
\nFind more of our publications and books at extension.umaine.edu\/publications\/<\/a>.<\/strong> \u00a0
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Description & Biology<\/h3>\n

Spongy moth<\/strong> (Lymantria dispar)<\/em> caterpillars feed on most hardwood trees, except ash. They prefer oak, poplar, gray birch and fruit trees. When half grown or larger, the larvae are also likely to feed on evergreens. As the number of Spongy moth larvae in an area increases, their favorite food sources start to become depleted. The larvae are then likely to feed on a variety of ornamental trees and shrubs.<\/p>\n

Healthy hardwoods can usually withstand two to three years of defoliation.\u00a0 However, secondary attack by insects or diseases can shorten or affect the life of weakened trees. Weakened, diseased, insect-damaged or shaded trees, particularly those already struggling with poor soil or moisture conditions, are especially vulnerable.\u00a0 Severely defoliated evergreens are less likely to survive than are other kinds of trees.<\/p>\n\n\t\t