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Spongy Moth

Lymantria dispar

While the caterpillars of Spongy Moths can look similar to other species in the great lakes area, the adult moth is easily identifiable.

It is recommended not to touch the caterpillars of this species as its hairs can irritate human skin. There is sexual dimorphism in this species, with females tending to be a creamy white color and males a grayish-brown. When looking for this moth in nature, note that females can’t fly and are commonly found on tree bark with their egg masses.

Habitat
Deciduous forests
Scientific Name
Lymantria dispar
Status
Common
Wing Span
25mm to 50mm
General Size
Average
Wing Color
brown
brown
grey
grey
white
white
Marking's Color
brown
brown
yellow
yellow
Markings Pattern
Waves / Jagged Lines

Characteristics describe the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish a species from others. This section helps readers identify and differentiate between similar species, aiding in species identification and reducing the chance of misidentification.

Identifying Characteristics

Females

  1. Female Markings
    Females are cream colored with brown zigzagged markings

Identifying Characteristics

Males

  1. Male Markings
    Males are brownish gray with similar markings and have feathered antennae

  2. Testing
    Testing Second field

A range map is a visual representation of a species' geographical distribution, and it helps naturalists and field researchers quickly determine if a species is likely to be found in a given area, aiding in identification, conservation, and habitat management efforts.