Spongy moth

The Spongy moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth) is not present in the ACT or anywhere else in Australia.

About the pest

The Spongy moth species (Lymatria spp.) are destructive pests of forests and horticulture that are present in many areas of the world.

Why they are a problem

The moths attack more than 1000 species of plants including fruit and nut trees, plantation forests, native species and ornamental trees.

They breed quickly, laying 100 to 1200 eggs at a time. Large populations of caterpillars can completely defoliate trees causing them to die.

What to look for

• Female moths are up to 63 mm long. They have cream-coloured wings with black markings.
• Males are smaller, mottled brown to grey in colour and have distinctive feathery antennae.
• Caterpillars range in size from 3 mm when newly born to 90 mm when fully mature. Older caterpillars are dark and hairy, with five pairs of blue spots and six pairs of red spots along their back.
• Egg masses (groups of eggs) are brown to creamy yellow and hairy.

How it spreads

Spongy moths spread in two ways:

• short-range natural dispersion (caterpillars "ballooning" on wind currents and adult flight)
• long-range accidental transport by humans (eggs hitchhiking on vehicles, outdoor furniture, and in and on shipping containers).

Report sightings