# 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! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 14 - **Habitat:** Forests ![Spotted Tussock Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Day_178_-_Spotted_Tussock_Moth_-_Lophocampa_maculata%252C_SFSU_Field_Campus%252C_Bassetts%252C_California.jpg&width=800) Photo: Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Day_178_-_Spotted_Tussock_Moth_-_Lophocampa_maculata%252C_SFSU_Field_Campus%252C_Bassetts%252C_California.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Erebidae - **Genus:** Lophocampa ## 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 - **Bristly Defense:** Spotted Tussock Moth has irritating bristly hairs as a caterpillar that deter predators from touching them. - **Bark Camouflage:** Spotted Tussock Moth has speckled wing patterns that help them disappear against tree bark, hiding from hungry birds. - **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 - **Eats:** [Black Willow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-willow) (*Salix nigra*) — a common host plant for its hungry larvae. - **Eats:** [Quaking Aspen](https://www.snappit.app/explore/quaking-aspen) (*Populus tremuloides*) — its caterpillars munch on the leaves of aspen trees. - **Eaten by:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — jays often prey on its caterpillars and moths. - **Parasitizes:** Tachinid Fly (*Compsilura concinnata*) — this fly lays its eggs on the caterpillar host. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color. - [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. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Don't touch the fuzzy caterpillars, as their hairs can irritate your skin. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Spotted 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 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 ## Where to spot - [Algonquin Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/algonquin-provincial-park) — Ontario, CA · State Park - [Forts Baker, Barry, and Cronkhite](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/forts-baker-barry-and-cronkhite) — California, US · Historic District - [Lower Cushman Dam](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lower-cushman-dam) — Washington, US · Historic Site - [Cushman Dam](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cushman-dam) — Washington, US · Historic Site - [East Glacier Ranger Station Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/east-glacier-ranger-station-historic-district) — Montana, US · Historic District - [Hoh Rainforest](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/hoh-rainforest) — Washington, US · Nature Reserve [View all places to see Spotted Tussock Moth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/spotted-tussock-moth) ## 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: [Spotted Tussock Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-tussock-moth)