Sycamore Tussock Moth
ExploreInsects
Sycamore Tussock Moth
Halysidota harrisii
The Sycamore Tussock Moth is a fuzzy, friendly-looking caterpillar that turns into a beautiful moth. It loves to munch on sycamore leaves and can be found in many gardens and parks.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Sycamore Tussock Moth is a medium-sized moth with creamy white to pale yellow wings adorned with distinctive orange-brown spots and bands. Its body is fuzzy and pale. The caterpillar is covered in dense tufts of white, black, and orange hairs, with prominent long black bristles at each end, giving it a spiky look.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusHalysidota
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Sycamore Tussock Moths don't have mouths to eat; they live on energy stored from their caterpillar days!
If you poke a caterpillar, it might twitch and shed some irritating hairs as a warning!
The fuzzy caterpillars are called 'tussocks' because their hair clumps look like little brush piles!
These caterpillars wear long black 'eyelashes' at their front and back, making them look very fancy!
Special abilities
Ability
Hairy Defense System
Sycamore Tussock Moth caterpillars have irritating hairs that help protect them from predators.
Ability
Bark Camouflage
Adult Sycamore Tussock Moths have wing patterns that help them blend perfectly with tree bark to avoid detection.
Ability
Toxic Taste Signal
Caterpillars can store toxins from their food, making them unpalatable to predators, signaled by their bright colors.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 35-50 mm
- Size
- 30-40 mm
- Lifespan
- 42-49 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on tree leaves, but adult moths don't eat anything at all!
Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) are herbivores, feeding on tree leaves, while adult moths do not feed.
Primary Foods
- Platanus occidentalis
- Acer rubrum
- Ulmus americana
- Tilia americana
- Fraxinus americana
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
American Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis
Larvae feed on leaves.
eats
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Caterpillars consume foliage.
eats
American Elm
Ulmus americana
Larvae defoliate trees.
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Birds prey on caterpillars and pupae.
eaten by
Little Brown Bat
Myotis lucifugus
Bats hunt adult moths at night.
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.
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.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
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
It's safe to look at these moths and caterpillars, but don't touch them without asking an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sycamore Tussock Moth's wingspan?
35-50 mm
How big is Sycamore Tussock Moth?
30-40 mm
How long does Sycamore Tussock Moth live?
42-49 days
What does Sycamore Tussock Moth eat?
Caterpillars munch on tree leaves, but adult moths don't eat anything at all!
Where is Sycamore Tussock Moth usually found?
Forests
How does Sycamore Tussock Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Sycamore Tussock Moth have?
6
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