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

The decision to rename both the “gypsy moth” and the “gypsy ant” coincides with the launch of the organization’s Better Common Names Project.

From Washington Post

On Wednesday, the Entomological Society of America announced it was removing “gypsy moth” and “gypsy ant” as recognized common names for two insects.

From New York Times

Bug experts are dropping the common name of a destructive insect because it’s considered an ethnic slur: the gypsy moth.

From Seattle Times

As if 2020 needed to become more like a Hollywood disaster film, giant Asian gypsy moths are now something to possibly be worried about.

From Fox News

The Hokkaido gypsy moths native to Asia arrived in Snohomish County forests last year.

From Washington Times