Spongy moth

Scientists renamed an insect formerly known as the gypsy moth to the 'Spongy Moth' because its original name was associated with derogatory term for Romani people.

The Ldd moth is native to Europe, and is established in northeastern U.S and eastern Canada. The larvae feed on crown foliage on a wide range of hardwood.

After removing the common name "gypsy moth," which contained a racial slur, the Entomological Society of America has assigned a new designation

Having removed the pejorative name “gypsy moth” last July, the Entomological Society of America officially renamed Lymantria dispar.

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An online resource devoted to North American insects, spiders and their kin, offering identification, images, and information.

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A spongy moth webinar, part of the NotMISpecies series, aired on April 14, 2022. Viewers submitted questions that have been addressed by the experts who presented the webinar. This document includes the questions and answers, grouped by topic area.

Annapolis, MD; March 2, 2022—"Spongy moth" has been formally adopted as the new common name for the moth species Lymantria dispar by the Entomological Society of America.