www.kleine-wesen.org
www.kleine-wesen.org
Lymantria dispar, also known as the gypsy moth or the spongy moth, is an Eurasian species of moth in the family Erebidae. Lymantria dispar is subdivided into several subspecies, with subspecies such as L. d. dispar and L. d. japonica being clearly identifiable without ambiguity. Lymantria dispar has been introduced to several continents and is now found in Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and South America. The polyphagous larvae live on a variety of deciduous and coniferous trees and can cause severe damage in years of mass reproduction. Due to these features, Lymantria dispar is listed among the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species.
The etymology of the term "gypsy moth" is not definitively known, but it has been in use since 1908. Moths of the Lymantriinae subfamily are also known as tussock moths due to the tufts of hair on their caterpillars. The name Lymantria dispar comes from two Latin-derived words, with Lymantria meaning "destroyer" and dispar meaning "to separate" in reference to sexual dimorphism. The term "gypsy moth" has been removed from the Entomological Society of America's list due to its offensiveness, and a new common name, "spongy moth," has been proposed based on the French name for the species. The North American and European populations of Lymantria dispar are considered the same subspecies. Several species of parasitoids and predators have been introduced to North America as biological control agents for the moth, with microbial pathogens being the most effective control agents.
Der Schwammspinner (Lymantria dispar) ist ein Schmetterling (Nachtfalter) aus der Unterfamilie der Trägspinner (Lymantriinae) innerhalb der Familie der Erebidae.
Der Schwammspinner ist ein Schädling, der durch seine Raupen Schäden an Bäumen verursacht. Besonders Eichen und Hainbuchen sind stark betroffen. Der Schwammspinner ist in wärmeren Gebieten Europas, Nordafrika und Teilen Asiens verbreitet. In den USA wurde er erfolgreich mit giftigen Sprühmitteln bekämpft, während heute vermehrt biologische Methoden wie die Nutzung von natürlichen Feinden eingesetzt werden.