# 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! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Forests - **Also known as:** Fuzzy Moth, Rusty Tussock ![Rusty Tussock Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Orgyia_antiqua%252C_Vapourer%252C_Hafod_Bonc%252C_North_Wales%252C_Aug_2017_%2836067136150%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: janet graham, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Orgyia_antiqua%252C_Vapourer%252C_Hafod_Bonc%252C_North_Wales%252C_Aug_2017_%2836067136150%29.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Erebidae - **Genus:** Orgyia ## 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 - **Pheromone Beacon:** Rusty Tussock Moth females release powerful airborne scents that helps them attract mates from far away, even though they can't fly. - **Daylight Dash:** Male Rusty Tussock Moths can fly swiftly during the day because of their strong wings, helping them actively search for mates. - **Sting-Proof Hairs:** Rusty Tussock Moth caterpillars have barbed, irritating hairs that helps them deter predators from eating them. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/silver-birch) (*Betula pendula*) — Caterpillars feed on its leaves. - **Parasitizes:** Ichneumonid Wasp (*Hyposoter horticola*) — Lays eggs inside moth caterpillars. ## 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. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [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. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 ### How to identify Rusty Tussock Moth? 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 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 ## Where to spot - [Skandinavisk Dyrepark](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/skandinavisk-dyrepark) — Central Denmark Region, DK · Zoo ## 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: [Rusty Tussock Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rusty-tussock-moth)