Gypsy Moth Infestation Continues in New England

A large outbreak of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) caterpillars attacked the hardwood forests of the northeastern United States in 2016. A fungus (Entomophaga maimaigaM) introduced from Japan has kept gypsy moth populations at relatively low levels since the late 1980s. However, abnormally low rainfall during May and June in 2014, 2015, and 2016 reduced the effectiveness of the fungus, resulting in the worst outbreak seen in New England in over 30 years.