Taxonomy

Life Cycle

Mature caterpillars (which are most often noticed) are distinctive. The presence of red spots distinguishes them from tent caterpillars.

The caterpillars can grow to two inches in length. Gypsy moth caterpillars are often confused with tent caterpillars, which are native to North America, but can also cause localized damage from time to time.

Adult gypsy moths are sexually dimorphic, which means that the female and male look very different from one another.