ExploreInsects

Hickory Tussock Moth

Lophocampa caryae

The Hickory Tussock Moth is a fuzzy, white moth with black spots. Its caterpillars are bright and hairy, making them look like little creatures from a fairy tale!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Hickory Tussock Moth is typically pale yellow to tan with irregular brownish bands and spots on its wings. Its striking caterpillar is fuzzy white with dense black tufts on its back and long black hairs at both ends, making it visually distinct from other caterpillars.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusLophocampa
Hickory Tussock Moth
furry trait badgespotted trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Hickory Tussock Moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Adult Hickory Tussock Moths do not eat, living only to lay eggs.

Caterpillars have six pairs of orange tufts on their backs, like tiny fuzzy pom-poms!

Caterpillars use spiky hairs to decorate cocoons for extra defense!

If disturbed, the caterpillar curls into a ball, exposing stinging hairs to scare foes.

Special abilities

Ability

Irritating Hairs

Hickory Tussock Moth caterpillars can cause skin rashes because their fuzzy hairs contain irritating toxins that help deter predators.

Ability

Warning Colors

The larva's contrasting white, black, and orange tufts act as a warning signal that helps predators recognize its toxicity.

Ability

Silk Spinner

Hickory Tussock Moth larvae spin a strong silk cocoon because they produce durable silk threads that protect them during pupation.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
40-50 mm
Size
15-25 mm
Lifespan
5-10 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Young Hickory Tussock Moths munch on tree leaves to grow big and strong, but adults don't eat!

Age differences: Caterpillars are voracious herbivores, while adult moths do not feed, relying on stored energy.

Primary Foods

  • Carya ovata
  • Juglans nigra
  • Quercus alba
  • Ulmus americana

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Hickory Moth

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Don't touch the caterpillars, as their hairs can cause skin irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hickory Tussock Moth's wingspan?

40-50 mm

How big is Hickory Tussock Moth?

15-25 mm

How long does Hickory Tussock Moth live?

5-10 days

What does Hickory Tussock Moth eat?

Young Hickory Tussock Moths munch on tree leaves to grow big and strong, but adults don't eat!

Where is Hickory Tussock Moth usually found?

Forests

How does Hickory Tussock Moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Hickory Tussock Moth have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Insects