The gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, is a moth in the family Lymantriidae of Eurasian origin. Originally ranging from Europe to Asia, it was introduced to North America in the late 1860s and has been expanding its range ever since. It is also known as the Asian gypsy moth.
Lymantria dispar commonly known as the Asian gypsy moth (AGM), is one of the most destructive pests of shade, fruit and ornamental trees throughout the northern hemisphere. It is also a major pest of hardwood forests. AGM caterpillars cause extensive defoliation, leading to reduced growth or even mortality of the host tree. Their presence can destroy the aesthetic beauty of an area by defoliating and killing the trees and covering the area with their waste products and silk. Scenic areas that were once beautiful have become spotted with dead standing trees where AGM has invaded. Also, urticacious hairs on larvae and egg masses cause allergies in some people.
