During which stage of the spongy moth lifecycle does the most damage occur?

The larval stage of the spongy moth lifecycle, also known as the caterpillar stage, is when the most damage occurs. During this stage, the larvae are voracious eaters and can consume large quantities of foliage, leading to significant defoliation of trees and plants. This feeding behavior can weaken trees, reduce their growth, and even result in tree mortality, particularly in high-density infestations.

In contrast, during the pupal stage, the moth is not feeding, as it is undergoing transformation, so no damage is inflicted during this period. In the adult stage, while spongy moths reproduce, they do not feed on foliage, so they do not contribute to tree damage at that time. The egg stage involves the laying of eggs, but again, this does not result in any immediate damage to plants. Overall, the larval stage is critical for understanding the impact of the spongy moth on forest health.