The Spongy Moth (formerly Gypsy Moth) is an invasive European moth whose caterpillars cause massive defoliation of oaks and other hardwoods in outbreak years, with a single caterpillar eating one square foot of leaves per day. Males are brown and fly; females are white and flightless. Egg masses resemble tan sponge patches on trees and objects, hence the new common name.
Best time to see a Spongy Moth
The best time to see a Spongy Moth is June–July, when about 69% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 28,446 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Spongy Moth? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Spongy Moth sightings near you
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Spotted a Spongy Moth?
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