Spongy Moth (formerly Gypsy Moth) Egg Masses

Found on trees, vehicles, outdoor furniture, and houses; native to Europe and North Africa but invasive in North America

Egg masses do not eat; larvae (caterpillars) defoliate over 300 species of trees and shrubs, preferring oak

Females lay eggs in late summer in fuzzy tan clusters; eggs overwinter and hatch in spring into highly mobile, ravenous caterpillars

Major invasive pest that causes massive forest defoliation and tree death; caterpillar hairs can cause skin rashes in humans