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Rusty Tussock Moth
ExploreInsects
Rusty Tussock Moth
Orgyia antiqua
The Rusty Tussock Moth is a fuzzy, brown moth that loves to hide in trees. It has beautiful, colorful tufts on its back that make it look like it's wearing a fuzzy coat!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Rusty Tussock Moth male has rusty orange-brown forewings distinctively marked with a white comma-shaped spot near the trailing edge. Its hindwings are dark brown, and its body is hairy. The female is plump, greyish-brown, and has greatly reduced, vestigial wings.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusOrgyia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Rusty Tussock Moths have no mouthparts and don't eat at all!
Its caterpillars wear colorful tufts, making them look like tiny, walking paintbrushes!
Male moths fly during the day, which is unusual for most moths!
The female moth can't fly; she lays her eggs right where she emerged from her cocoon!
Special abilities
Ability
Pheromone Beacon
Rusty Tussock Moth females release powerful airborne scents that helps them attract mates from far away, even though they can't fly.
Ability
Daylight Dash
Male Rusty Tussock Moths can fly swiftly during the day because of their strong wings, helping them actively search for mates.
Ability
Sting-Proof Hairs
Rusty Tussock Moth caterpillars have barbed, irritating hairs that helps them deter predators from eating them.
Ability
Versatile Muncher
Rusty Tussock Moth caterpillars can eat leaves from many types of trees and shrubs, which helps them find food easily.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-35 mm
- Size
- 10-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 5-10 days
- Flight Speed
- 7 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on various leaves, but adult moths don't eat at all!
Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) are herbivorous; adults do not feed.
Primary Foods
- willow leaves
- birch leaves
- oak leaves
- fruit tree leaves
- conifer needles
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleus
Common bird preys on caterpillars.
depends on
Silver Birch
Betula pendula
Caterpillars feed on its leaves.
parasitizes
Ichneumonid Wasp
Hyposoter horticola
Lays eggs inside moth caterpillars.
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.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
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.
Also known as
Fuzzy MothRusty Tussock
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
If you see a fuzzy caterpillar, it's best to look but not touch, as some can be itchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rusty Tussock Moth's wingspan?
25-35 mm
How big is Rusty Tussock Moth?
10-15 mm
How long does Rusty Tussock Moth live?
5-10 days
How fast can Rusty Tussock Moth fly?
7 km/h
What does Rusty Tussock Moth eat?
Caterpillars munch on various leaves, but adult moths don't eat at all!
Where is Rusty Tussock Moth usually found?
Forests
How does Rusty Tussock Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Rusty Tussock Moth have?
6
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