SANDPOINT, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) said Friday that it has confirmed the detection of the invasive spongy moth ( Lymantria dispar ), formerly known as the gypsy moth, in Sandpoint for the second consecutive year.

Recent spongy moth captures reflect the first time a potential population has been detected in the Sandpoint area since 1991.

IDL says the European spongy moth is established throughout the eastern U.S., where it causes millions of dollars of damage during outbreaks. Spongy moth populations are not established in Idaho, but new introductions can sometimes occur when people accidentally transport insects on firewood, RVs, outdoor gear, or vehicles.

Spongy moths were previously eradicated from Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene between 1986 and 1991. At the height

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