Species Affected
The Gypsy Moth is affecting many species, both plant and animal. The animal species are affected indirectly since they are not being consumed or killed by the moth, but it is destroying their habitat and the trees that they need to survive. The plant species, however, are being eaten by the Gypsy Moth and are dying because of it. Without intervention, their rapid spread will destroy many of the forests across North America.
The list below includes the main tree species targeted by the Gypsy Moth, yet there are also many animals being impacted. Any species whose habitat is a boreal, deciduous, or coniferous forest are having their trees & home destroyed because of this invasive species. The lack of trees means fewer areas for nests, and could cause insects used as food by other animals to die off. A reduction in food and suitable habitats means a decline in the population, lower biodiversity, and therefore a less sustainable ecosystem. This will affect countless animals such as squirrels, deer, birds, other insects, and rabbits. Not only are wild animals being impacted, but humans, too. The moths eat the trees which we use to create paper or sell, and we were already facing a scarce amount of trees due to urban development, pollution, and sheer greed.
The list below includes the main tree species targeted by the Gypsy Moth, yet there are also many animals being impacted. Any species whose habitat is a boreal, deciduous, or coniferous forest are having their trees & home destroyed because of this invasive species. The lack of trees means fewer areas for nests, and could cause insects used as food by other animals to die off. A reduction in food and suitable habitats means a decline in the population, lower biodiversity, and therefore a less sustainable ecosystem. This will affect countless animals such as squirrels, deer, birds, other insects, and rabbits. Not only are wild animals being impacted, but humans, too. The moths eat the trees which we use to create paper or sell, and we were already facing a scarce amount of trees due to urban development, pollution, and sheer greed.
![Picture](/uploads/2/7/8/1/27817295/1403619.jpg)
Summary of Why They're Affected
These tree species are affected because they are being eaten alive by Gypsy Moths. They are also having eggs laid on them, resulting in thousands of baby caterpillars hatching on and feeding off of them. The animals are impacted because their habitats and food are being destroyed, leaving them with no trees to shelter them and fewer plants to filter the air and consume.
The photo above shows an incredibly damaged forest. Trees have been killed by the Gypsy Moth, and the brown areas near the top are dead trees/detritus.
These tree species are affected because they are being eaten alive by Gypsy Moths. They are also having eggs laid on them, resulting in thousands of baby caterpillars hatching on and feeding off of them. The animals are impacted because their habitats and food are being destroyed, leaving them with no trees to shelter them and fewer plants to filter the air and consume.
The photo above shows an incredibly damaged forest. Trees have been killed by the Gypsy Moth, and the brown areas near the top are dead trees/detritus.
Main Tree Species Being Affected
-Paper Birch
-Gray Birch
-Aspen
-Willow
-Speckled Alder
-Basswood
-Poplar Trees
-Sweetgum
As stated previously, the Gypsy Moth consumes hardwood (and preferably oak) trees. It has adapted to feed on few shrub species, yet it is unknown which ones due to lack of studies by provinces & organizations.
-Paper Birch
-Gray Birch
-Aspen
-Willow
-Speckled Alder
-Basswood
-Poplar Trees
-Sweetgum
As stated previously, the Gypsy Moth consumes hardwood (and preferably oak) trees. It has adapted to feed on few shrub species, yet it is unknown which ones due to lack of studies by provinces & organizations.