Definition
Lymantria dispar is the scientific name for the gypsy moth (or gipsy moth). This species is notorious for its voracious appetite as a caterpillar, causing significant defoliation in forests and urban areas. Think of it as the formal name for a troublemaker ๐ . It is an invasive species in North America, having been introduced from Europe. It's a textbook example of how a seemingly small creature can cause large-scale ecological problems.