Gypsy Moth Feeding Preferences, and the Homeowner

F. William Ravlin and Kenneth J. Stein

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Gypsy moth caterpillars prefer to feed on oak trees but can also eat many other species. Preferences for different trees depends upon the size or age of the caterpillars. Small caterpillars (< 1 in.) are not able to feed on as many different species as the older large ones (> 1 in.). Even though gypsy moths prefer oak trees it is not necessary to totally avoid planting oaks. The rule of thumb for homeowners is to plant several different kinds of trees. This will accomplish 3 things: 1) it will reduce the potential for future gypsy moth problems, 2) it will reduce the potential for pest problems in general (remember the "Dutch elm disease" and all of the beautiful stands of elm that had to be removed), and 3) the diversity in tree species will add to the beauty of a yard and the value of a home.

 

Tree species that are eaten (preferred) by gypsy moth caterpillars of all ages

Apple , basswood, bigtooth aspen, quaking aspen, gray, paper, and river birches, boxelder, larch, American mountain ash, all oak species, lombardy poplar, sweet gum, willow, alder, hawthorn, hazelnut, hornbeam, serviceberry, all sumac species, witch-hazel

Tree species that are eaten by older caterpillars (>1 in.) but are moderately resistant to gypsy moth defoliation

Chestnut, eastern hemlock, all pine species, all spruce species, American beech, black and yellow birch, blackgum (tupelo), Ohio and yellow buckeye, butternut, sweet and black cherry, eastern cottonwood, cucumber tree, American and slippery elm, hackberry, all hickory species, Norway, red, silver, and sugar maples, pear, silver poplar, sassafras, black walnut, blueberries, pin and choke cherry, American hornbeam, paw paw, persimmon, redbud, sourwood, sweetfern

Tree species not eaten by gypsy moths

All ash species, bald cypress, Catalpa, eastern red cedar, balsam and fraser fir, American holly, horse chestnut, Kentucky coffeetree, black and honey locust, mulberry, sycamore, tuliptree (yellow poplar), all Azalea species, dogwood, elderberry, grape, greenbrier, juniper, mountain and striped maple, rhododendron, all bramble (Rubus  species), sheep and mountain laurel, spicebush, sarsparilla, all Viburnum species