# Nut-Tree Tussock (*Colocasia coryli*) The Nut-Tree Tussock is a fuzzy caterpillar that looks like a tiny, soft creature. It loves to munch on leaves and can be found in gardens and forests, making it a fun find for little explorers! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Forests ![Nut-Tree Tussock](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Colocasia_coryli02.jpg&width=800) Photo: Kulac, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Colocasia_coryli02.jpg) ## Appearance The Nut-Tree Tussock caterpillar is a fuzzy creature, usually green or brown with distinctive humps and bright yellow or red spots along its back. It has prominent black hair tufts on its segments, making it look quite spiky and unique compared to other caterpillars. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Noctuidae - **Genus:** Colocasia ## Interesting facts - Female moths release special scents called pheromones to attract mates from far away! - Its fluffy 'tussocks' are actually clumps of hair on its body, not fur! - The adult moth doesn't have a mouth and cannot eat, living only to lay eggs! - This caterpillar can survive cold winters by hiding safely inside its strong silken cocoon! ## Special abilities - **Irritating Bristles:** Nut-Tree Tussock has spiky, irritating hairs that help them defend against predators. - **Disguise Artist:** Nut-Tree Tussock can change its body color from green to brown that helps them blend perfectly with leaves or bark. - **Protective Silk Weaver:** Nut-Tree Tussock can spin a tough silk cocoon that helps them stay safe during their pupa stage. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 35-40 mm - **Size:** 30-40 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-14 days - **Flight Speed:** 8 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Nut-Tree Tussock caterpillars munch on leaves from various trees to grow big and strong. - **Age differences:** Adult moths do not eat; only the caterpillar stage consumes leaves. - **Primary Foods:** Hazel leaves, Beech leaves, Oak leaves, Birch leaves, Hornbeam leaves - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Common Hazel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-hazel) (*Corylus avellana*) — Its caterpillars devour the leaves of hazel trees. - **Eats:** [European Beech](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-beech) (*Fagus sylvatica*) — The larvae feed on the foliage of beech trees. - **Eaten by:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — Great tits often prey on the caterpillars and pupae. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Always look but don't touch caterpillars, as some can be prickly or make you itchy. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Nut-Tree Tussock? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Nut-Tree Tussock's wingspan? 35-40 mm ### How big is Nut-Tree Tussock? 30-40 mm ### How long does Nut-Tree Tussock live? 7-14 days ### How fast can Nut-Tree Tussock fly? 8 km/h ### What does Nut-Tree Tussock eat? Nut-Tree Tussock caterpillars munch on leaves from various trees to grow big and strong. ### Where is Nut-Tree Tussock usually found? Forests ### How does Nut-Tree Tussock hunt? Foraging ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Nut-Tree Tussock: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/nut-tree-tussock)