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The Gypsy Moth's Impact on the Environment in Minnesota

The gypsy moth, native to Asia and Europe, is an invasive species in the United States. It has few natural predators in America so is difficult to contain. According to independent research done by Stanislav N. Vardomskiy, European gypsy moths were accidentally introduced in Boston in the late 1860s. Eventually, they spread and in 1969 they were first noted in Minnesota. In the larval stage, gypsy moths consume tree foliage, and the caterpillars aren't picky eaters. The European variety is known to favor 300 different plant species. The consequences have not been severe in Minnesota yet, but they have had an impact.

Gypsy Moth Caterpillar is a Defoliator
- Minnesota is home to the 10,000 lakes and the great north woods. With its vast forested areas, the state is susceptible to gypsy moth invasions. According to the University of Minnesota, the preferred host for the moth are oak, poplar, birch and willow trees. They'll eat pine trees if others are not available. Deciduous trees enter a period of decline and death after two consecutive years. Defoliated trees are more vulnerable to disease and other plant pests.
Annoyance
- When gypsy moth infestation takes hold, it can become a considerable annoyance to humans. After several years of defoliation, trees can die; even if they don't, the nests gypsy moths make are an eyesore. Also, masses of caterpillars can fall and land on the sidewalk, trails and picnic areas. They can even create non-threatening rashes on susceptible humans, according to the University of Minnesota.
Make People Change Their Habits
- According to a Minnesota Public Radio article, the fastest way the moths spread are by hitching a ride with humans. Gypsy moths lay eggs on camping equipment and firewood. Campers who move throughout the state and country may unknowingly spread the nuisance. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is trying to raise awareness of the issue. Many parks now make it illegal to bring in any firewood outside the park due to the moth and other invasive species.
Costs State Money
- The recession late in the first decade of the 2000s and a severe cut in tax bases hurt state and city governments. To fight the gypsy moth, Minnesota must invest in research to figure out the nature of the threat. Then it must educate the public on the issue. Finally, in severe cases, eradication techniques must be used. All of these steps require capital.

Animals & Science