The Gypsy Moth or Lymantria dispar dispar is found not only in North America but also in Europe and Africa. Here in Massachusetts it's a pest and people work hard to get rid of them. It rarely seems to work, though.

Gypsy moths come in a variety of pattern styles. The females tend to be paler than the males. This one here has light brown outer wings with dark brown speckles. The under wings are then an orange color. It has feathery antennae.

The gypsy moth was about the size of a half dollar coin and it was very fluttery. Its wings were beating a mile a minute. It was quite fond of me and kept landing in my hair. So they definitely don't seem to be shy.

These photos were taken in July 2013.









Butterflies and Moths in Sutton Massachusetts
Animals and Birds in Sutton Massachusetts

Sutton Massachusetts Photo Collection