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Egg Stage
Once gypsy moths have mated, the female moth deposits a cluster of eggs. The preferred sites for these egg masses are tree branches, tree trunks or other sites close to trees. In urban areas, gypsy moths may also deposit eggs on man-made structures, such as buildings or vehicles. Small egg masses can contain around 100 eggs while larger masses may contain almost 1,000 eggs. Egg masses are usually light brown in color, covered in tiny hairs that collect from the female moth's abdomen and measure between 0.5 and 1.5 inches long. Female gypsy moths usually deposit eggs around July. Gypsy moths remain in the egg stage over winter and usually hatch in April or May, when trees have produced an abundance of foliage to feed on.
Caterpillar Stage
After hatching, gypsy moth caterpillars develop through 5 or 6 stages of growth. Gypsy moths molt between each of these stages, to allow room for further growth. Young caterpillars feed during the day and night; while more developed caterpillars avoid the threat of predators by feeding only at night. During this larval stage of feeding and development, gypsy moth caterpillars may feed on the foliage of more than 300 varieties of trees. However, preferred food sources include oak, chestnut, birch and willow trees. A mature gypsy moth caterpillar usually measures between 1.9 and 2.6 inches long. Caterpillars have gray, hair-covered bodies that are marked with a series of blue and red spots and a yellow stripe running along the length of their backs. Gypsy moth caterpillars usually take between 4 and 6 weeks to mature, and are ready to pupate in June or July.
Pupal Stage
The gypsy moth pupal stage usually lasts around two weeks, and is the final stage in its development before reaching adulthood. As pupae, gypsy moths are encased in a red-brown shell that is attached to a tree, building or stone by thin silk strands. If a gypsy moth survives the pupal stage without being eaten by predators; such as mice or beetles, they usually leave the pupal stage as an adult moth in July.
Adult Moths
Adult gypsy moths have a wingspan of approximately 2-inches. Male moths are brown in color and females have cream wings. Male gypsy moths can fly, but their female counterparts cannot. The adult stage lasts for around one week, before the moth dies. In this week, gypsy moths mate and lay eggs.