Genetic variability and geographic structuration of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) in forests of Europe

The gypsy moth is a polyphagous butterfly spread throughout the northern hemisphere. Gypsy moth has characteristic periodic outbreaks, and due to its polyphagous nature and capabilities for longitudinal and latitudinal expansion it is considered one of the significant biological agents causing disturbances and damage in forests of Europe. The damage is generally higher from west to east and from n…