Scenic Hudson

A species worth knowing this : The Spongy Moth!

This non-native insect has been straining New York's oak-heavy forests since 2020, peaking in 2024 when caterpillars defoliated more than 600,000 acres across the Hudson Valley.

THE GOOD NEWS: 2025 brought a sharp decline, thanks in part to naturally occurring soil bacteria that thrive in wet early summers and help keep populations in check.

For 2026, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is cautiously optimistic! But it's still worth keeping an eye on your trees. If you spot dense numbers of caterpillars accompanied by defoliation, report sightings to the DEC at ➡️ [email protected].

For resources and more management tips, visit the Cornell Integrated Pest Management site:

Spongy Moth Spongy Moth Scientific Name: Lymantria dispar Formerly known as: Gypsy Moth Damages: Forests and Trees Categories: Invasive Similar Species Eastern tent caterpillar (Hyphantria cunea) Fall webworm moth (Malacosoma americanum) (Lymantria dispar asiatica) Over one hundred years ago, spongy moth cater...