Gypsy Moth
When emerging from cocoons, adult male gypsy moths are brownish in color and average around 2 to 3 inches in size. The adult females appear white and average 3 to 4 inches in length, making them slightly bigger than the males. On emerging from its cocoon, the female gypsy moth will emit a pheromone that attracts adult males. Gypsy moths are nocturnal by nature and active throughout the evening as well as night. During July and August, the female gypsy moth lays hundreds of eggs, within close proximity to areas with heavy foliage. Both males and females die after mating, while the eggs lie dormant until early spring.
Woolly Bear Caterpillar/ Isabella Tiger Moth
This particular moth has two names specifically for the two cycles of its life. When in the larval stage, or as a caterpillar, it is referred to as the woolly bear. A woolly bear is long, thick and furry-like. The caterpillar grows no bigger than 3 to 4 inches and has black bands at both ends of its body, with a reddish copper section within its middle. Most Northeasterners know of this caterpillar/moth from the legendary old wives' tale, which suggests it has the ability to tell when a harsh winter is approaching. When reaching the adult stage, its given name is "Isabella tiger moth." On emerging from its cocoon, the adult moth lives in marshes, woodlands and fields. It grows to 3 to 4 inches in size. The Isabella tiger moth is colorful, and its pattern throughout its body gives it the appearance of a watching tiger. The moth has a mixture of brown, light blue, black and somewhat large circular spots on its wings, which appear like eyes.
Giant Silk Moth
The giant silk moth lives within heavily forested areas. The giant silk moth receives its name from the spinning of a brownish silk cocoon, which the moths leave under leaves and plants. The caterpillars of giant silk moths have segmented bodies, which are white on the top and orange on the underside. Caterpillars grow up to 3 to 4 inches long and are voracious feeders of leaves. On emerging from its cocoon, the moth has a dazzling array of colors; adults have an average wingspan of 6 inches, and what is noticeable about this moth are its large purplish spots that look like eyes on its wings. Adults do not feed and live for just one week within spring and summer.
Hummingbird Clearwing Moth
The hummingbird clearwing moth has a wingspan of 4 to 5 inches long and travels from flower to flower in a similar fashion as a hummingbird. This moth is often mistaken for a hummingbird in appearance, size and choice of food. This moth is active during the daytime, when hummingbirds also fly around. Adult hummingbird clearwing moths have a straw-like tongue called a "proboscis" that extends under their heads. They use their tongues to suck up nectar from flowers; nectar is what fuels and energizes this moth. This moth has a green body, and seems furry in appearance, with burgundy color wings, along with a "ruby red" throat that is similar to hummingbirds' throats.
Prevention and Control of Gypsy Moths
In 1868, gypsy moth caterpillars found their way into the northeastern United States environment. It is not clear why this happened, but the resulting decades have shown this moth to be a destructive force to the ecosystem. Many northern states, such as Maryland, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, consider the gypsy moth as an invasive species as the caterpillar has the potential to wipe out entire fruit orchards as well as forests.