Predators of gypsy moth egg masses in the Mamora cork oak forest (Morocco)

In Morocco oophagous predators are one of the main mortality factors ofthe gypsy moth. These insects consume the eggs but cause more noticeabledamage by disrupting the egg masses. During July-March, when gypsy motheggs are present, 14 species of predators follow, eating and damagingegg masses. From 1987 to 1990, oophagous predators destroyed 60 to 90%of eggs and therefore played a determinant role in the collapse of alocalized gypsy moth population.