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Spotted Tussock Moth

Lophocampa maculata

The Spotted Tussock Moth is a fluffy, colorful caterpillar that turns into a beautiful moth. It has soft, fuzzy hairs that can look like little tufts, making it very unique and fun to spot in nature!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Spotted Tussock Moth has creamy white to pale yellow wings adorned with striking irregular dark brown or black square-ish spots. Its body is fuzzy and yellowish. The distinct spotting pattern helps it blend into lichen-covered tree bark.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusLophocampa
Spotted Tussock Moth
furry trait badgespotted trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badge
Spotted Tussock Moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult Spotted Tussock Moths have no mouthparts and never eat!

Its caterpillar stage is so fuzzy it looks like a tiny punk rocker!

Some of its caterpillar hairs can cause an itchy sting if touched!

This moth's larvae sometimes eat plants toxic to other animals!

Special abilities

Ability

Bristly Defense

Spotted Tussock Moth has irritating bristly hairs as a caterpillar that deter predators from touching them.

Ability

Bark Camouflage

Spotted Tussock Moth has speckled wing patterns that help them disappear against tree bark, hiding from hungry birds.

Ability

Silken Transformation

Spotted Tussock Moth can spin silk to create a strong cocoon for safe pupation and turning into an adult.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
35-45 mm
Size
15-20 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Young caterpillars munch on tree leaves and shrubs to grow big and strong!

Age differences: Adult moths do not eat, relying on energy reserves from their caterpillar stage.

Primary Foods

  • Salix nigra
  • Populus tremuloides
  • Alnus rubra
  • Betula papyrifera

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Don't touch the fuzzy caterpillars, as their hairs can irritate your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spotted Tussock Moth's wingspan?

35-45 mm

How big is Spotted Tussock Moth?

15-20 mm

How long does Spotted Tussock Moth live?

7-14 days

What does Spotted Tussock Moth eat?

Young caterpillars munch on tree leaves and shrubs to grow big and strong!

Where is Spotted Tussock Moth usually found?

Forests

How does Spotted Tussock Moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Spotted Tussock Moth have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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