gypsy moth

American  

noun

1. a moth, Porthetria dispar, introduced into the U.S. from Europe, the larvae of which feed on the foliage of shade and other trees.

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gypsy moth British  

noun

1. a variant spelling of gipsy moth

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Etymology

Origin of gypsy moth

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Heat-treating wood, for example, can also help ward off the gypsy moth, spotted lanternfly and the Asian long-horned beetle, Tamm said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2024

In 2022, for instance, the Entomological Society of America adopted spongy moth for the invasive moth Lymantria dispar, getting rid of gypsy moth.

From Science Magazine • Sep. 5, 2023

This spring, I was finally introduced to its very hungry caterpillars, the larval stage of the insect formerly known as the gypsy moth before it was renamed this year.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2022

In addition, research is being conducted at Cornell University to find a fungus to kill the spotted lantern fly, similar to how a fungus was used to control the gypsy moth population.

From Washington Post • Sep. 13, 2021

The gypsy moth is a forest insect, certainly not an inhabitant of cities.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson