Pale Tussock Moth
ExploreInsects
Pale Tussock Moth
Calliteara pudibunda
The Pale Tussock Moth is a fluffy, light-colored moth that looks like it has soft fur! It has big, fuzzy tufts on its body that help it blend in with its surroundings.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Pale Tussock Moth has a strikingly fuzzy, pale body, often greyish-yellow to greenish. Its forewings are typically light grey with subtle wavy lines, while the hindwings are plain and paler. The caterpillar is even more distinctive, covered in dense, colourful 'tussocks' of hair.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusCalliteara
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Adult Pale Tussock Moths have no mouths or stomachs, so they don't eat!
If disturbed, the caterpillar can suddenly coil up, startling potential attackers!
Its caterpillar looks like a fluffy pipe cleaner, often called a 'Woolly Bear'!
The caterpillar sheds its skin five times, revealing new colours each time!
Special abilities
Ability
Irritating Hairs
Pale Tussock Moth larvae have urticating hairs that can cause itching, helping them deter curious predators.
Ability
Master of Disguise
Pale Tussock Moth adults have patterned wings that help them blend perfectly with tree bark to avoid predators.
Ability
Warning Colours
Pale Tussock Moth caterpillars often display bright colours and bristles, warning birds that they taste bad.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 40-70 mm
- Size
- 20-30 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on leaves, but grown-up moths don't eat at all!
Age differences: Adult moths do not feed, relying on energy reserves built up during their caterpillar stage.
Primary Foods
- Oak leaves
- Beech leaves
- Birch leaves
- Willow leaves
- Hazel leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Pedunculate Oak
Quercus robur
eats oak leaves
eats
European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
eats beech leaves
eaten by
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleus
eats larvae and pupae
eaten by
Common Pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pipistrellus
eats adult moths
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch moths, as some can be delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pale Tussock Moth's wingspan?
40-70 mm
How big is Pale Tussock Moth?
20-30 mm
How long does Pale Tussock Moth live?
7-14 days
What does Pale Tussock Moth eat?
Caterpillars munch on leaves, but grown-up moths don't eat at all!
Where is Pale Tussock Moth usually found?
Forests
How does Pale Tussock Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Pale 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.
