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White-marked Tussock Moth

Orgyia leucostigma

The White-marked Tussock Moth is a fuzzy caterpillar that turns into a beautiful moth. It has soft, white tufts on its body that make it look like it's wearing a fluffy coat!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The White-marked Tussock Moth is sexually dimorphic. Males have mottled grayish-brown wings marked with wavy dark lines and a distinct white spot on each forewing. Females are wingless, with a plump, grayish-tan body covered in short hairs, resembling a fuzzy blob.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusOrgyia
White-marked Tussock Moth
furry trait badgesolitary trait badgeherbivorous trait badgeforest trait badge
White-marked Tussock Moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Male moths are super good at finding females from far away, just by smelling their perfume!

Mom moths lay their eggs right on top of their old cocoons, making a cozy nursery!

The female moth has no wings and can't fly, she just waits for a mate!

Their caterpillars have bright 'tussocks' of hair, making them look like tiny fuzzy artists' brushes!

Special abilities

Ability

Sting Defense

White-marked Tussock Moth caterpillars have spiky, irritating hairs that can cause a rash, helping deter predators.

Ability

Wingless Wonder

Female moths are completely wingless, remaining near their cocoons and attracting males with powerful pheromones.

Ability

Silk Scaffold

Young caterpillars can create a silken safety line, allowing them to drop quickly from danger and climb back up.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-35 mm
Size
15-35 mm
Lifespan
5-15 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

As caterpillars, they munch on the leaves of many different trees and shrubs.

Age differences: Adult moths do not feed, focusing solely on reproduction; only the larvae (caterpillars) eat.

Primary Foods

  • Oak leaves
  • Maple leaves
  • Birch leaves
  • Apple leaves
  • Rose leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Don't touch the caterpillar, as its hairs can irritate your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is White-marked Tussock Moth's wingspan?

25-35 mm

How big is White-marked Tussock Moth?

15-35 mm

How long does White-marked Tussock Moth live?

5-15 days

What does White-marked Tussock Moth eat?

As caterpillars, they munch on the leaves of many different trees and shrubs.

Where is White-marked Tussock Moth usually found?

Forests

How does White-marked Tussock Moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does White-marked Tussock Moth have?

6

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