Knowledgebase

GYPSY MOTH?... #703527

Asked July 21, 2020, 12:35 PM EDT

GYPSY MOTH?

Fairfield County Ohio

Expert Response

Hello. Thank you for you question. Based on the photo that was submitted, I am not able to make a positive confirmation. However, I would like to provide you with information that could help with the identification of what you are seeing.

This is the time that we see adult gypsy moth activity. The male moths are brown in color and have feather-like antenna. I have attached some photos of the male moth for your reference. The first photo is a male that was caught on a trap. The photo was taken by Curtis Young with OSU Extension. The second is an image that I found on the bugwood site and was credited to Florida's Division of Plant Industries.

Male moths’ wings have a wavy pattern of brown to dark-brown and span 1.5 inches. They fly during the day in a zig-zag pattern in search of the female. The female is larger and more of a cream to white color. She does not fly. Does the insect in question have more of a yellowish color to it? 

I hope that the information and photos can help with the identification. If you want to submit a clear photo, I can take a look at that also. Please let me know how I can help you resolve your question - what is this moth. 

Amy 





Amy Stone Replied July 21, 2020, 2:45 PM EDT
Do these pictures help?  Are any moths this side beneficial?
The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2020, 5:02 PM EDT
Definately not gypsy moth. Thank you for the improved photos. They definately give some size perspective. I believe it is one of the imperial moths. I found this link from NC State - https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/description/11777/Eacles-imperialis-pini#:~:text=The%20Pine%20imperial%20moth%20is,pinkish%2C%20orangish%20or%20purplish%20brown.

Hope this helps. And thankfully it wasn't the gypsy moth. Amy 
Amy Stone Replied July 21, 2020, 5:19 PM EDT
Thank you, Amy.
The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2020, 6:57 PM EDT

Loading ...