Spongy Moth Host Preferences

A Technical Report from The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories

Larvae of spongy moth, formerly known as gypsy moth, feed on the foliage of a wide variety of woody plants. During heavy infestations, most tree and shrub species will be fed upon to some extent. However, gypsy moth larvae have distinct food preferences. From the results of controlled studies and field observations, the susceptibility of tree and shrub species to gypsy moth feeding can be classified as follows: Class I, favored food plants; Class II, species that are intermediate in susceptibility; and Class III, unfavored food plants.