Spongy Moth (Egg Mass Stage)

Natural Habitat

Found on various surfaces including trees, rocks, outdoor furniture, and vehicle tires in temperate forests and residential areas.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae (caterpillars) are generalist feeders that consume the leaves of over 300 species of trees and shrubs, particularly oaks.

Behavior Patterns

Adults lay egg masses in late summer; eggs over-winter in this fuzzy, tan casing and hatch in spring. Larvae can go through 5-6 instars before pupating.

Risks & Benefits

An invasive species that causes massive defoliation of forests; the hairs on egg masses and caterpillars can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in humans.

Identified on: 6/28/2026