The white-marked tussock moth caterpillar is a furry yellow and black caterpillar. It grows 1.3” (35 mm) long. The spiny moth caterpillar is identified by its red head and toothbrush-like tufts of yellowish-white hairs on a yellow and black body.
How to get rid of tussock moths?
- Apply an insecticide to the foliage of the host trees before the caterpillars mature and begin dispersing. ...
- Walk around the house with a broom and sweep the climbing caterpillars into a pail of soapy water before they have a chance to spin their cocoons.
- Remove cocoons by slipping tweezers or a similar instrument between the cocoon and the wall. ...
Are tussock moths harmful?
Experts say the white hickory tussock moth caterpillar has a defense mechanism in those white hairs that embeds in human skin and sends a small dose of irritating poison, causing itching, rash and allergic reactions. Some people may be hypersensitive to the poison and have allergic reactions.
How do you tell Butterfly caterpillars from moth caterpillars?
Question How can you tell the difference between a butterfly and a moth?
- Wings. Butterflies tend to fold their wings vertically up over their backs. ...
- Anatomy. Moths have a frenulum, which is a wing-coupling device. ...
- Behavior. Butterflies are primariy diurnal, flying in the daytime. ...
- Cocoon/Chrysalis. Cocoons and chrysalides are protective coverings for the pupa. ...
- More fascinating facts about butterflies and moths. ...
Is the tussock moth poisonous?
Posts on social media sites warn that White Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillars are poisonous and can cause skin irritation or more serious health complications when touched by humans.
Can tussock moths hurt you?
Judged on looks alone, these fuzzy caterpillars might appear harmless but touch one with a bare finger and you'll feel as if you've been pricked by fiberglass. Some species, such as the Brown-tail, will even leave you with a persistent and painful rash. Tussock Moth adults are often dull brown or white.
What do tussock moth caterpillars look like?
Caterpillars of this species generally are dark bodied with a red head, 2 black "hair pencils" projecting forward like antennae, 4 dense tufts of hair (tussocks) on the back, and a fluffy tuft projecting to the rear like a tail. Unique to this species are the orange-colored spots along the back and sides.
Are tussock moths beneficial?
Yet, milkweed tussock is a native species that evolved alongside the monarch. Knowing that species diversity is an essential part of a healthy ecosystem, there is no harm in leaving milkweed tussock caterpillars alone to eat a few milkweed plants.
Why is it called a tussock moth?
tussock moth, (family Lymantriidae), any of a group of moths (order Lepidoptera), the common name for which is derived from the hair tufts, or tussocks, found on most larval forms.
Should I get rid of tussock moth caterpillars?
The cocoons also are known to cause allergic reactions and they are very well attached, so some effort will be needed to remove them. It's good to get rid of the cocoons because you are also removing the eggs for the next generation of caterpillars.
Are tussock moths rare?
The Pale Tussock moth is a common species throughout much of the southern half of England, becoming scarcer in northern regions. The species is also recorded in Northern Ireland and throughout much of continental Europe.
Do birds eat tussock moths?
The three little birds that live in our area full time and eat both the Tussock moth and its caterpillars, are the Oak Titmouse, the Bushtit and the Bewick Wren. As amazing as it may seem, all of these helpers were called to by the trees!
Are tussock moth caterpillars invasive?
While they're native to North America and not technically an invasive species, it can feel like they are given their sheer numbers.
How do you get rid of tussock?
Physical removal Remove individual plants with a mattock in small, isolated patches. Bag and dispose of the plants. Also dispose of soil attached to roots as it may contain seeds. Tussocks with flowers should be burnt after removal.
Where does the tussock moth live?
Orgyia leucostigma, the white-marked tussock moth, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797. The caterpillar is very common especially in late summer in eastern North America, extending as far west as Texas, California, and Alberta.
Where is the tussock moth found?
These insects are found in eastern North America. In Canada, they occur from Alberta to Newfoundland.
How big do tussock moth caterpillars get?
1-1/4 inch longDescription: Caterpillars grow to 1-1/4 inch long and is unique in that there are four brush-like tufts or bunches of light tan hairs on the back (top of the first four abdominal segments) and red dots (abdominal segments six and seven).
Why are tussock moths called tussock moths?
Similar species: The caterpillars in several moth groups are called “tussock moths” because they, too, may be hairy with clumps of longer hairs. Several of these are in the tiger and lichen moth subfamily.
What is the new family of tussock moths?
The new family (Erebidae) that the tussock moth subfamily now belongs to joins together several additional moth groups. Many of these (such as the underwing, or catocalid moths) used to be members of the formerly huge family Noctuidae. The noctuid family continues, but minus those groups. Another distinct group, the tiger and lichen moths, are in the same situation as the tussock moths: they also used to be in their own family, but have now been reduced to a subfamily (Arctiinae) in the new family Erebidae. These recent taxonomy revisions are confusing, but they represent a much greater clarity in our understanding of the true relationships among these animal groups.
What caterpillars are in cocoons?
The caterpillars incorporate those hairs into the cocoon for protection. Some examples of species in this subfamily include the white-marked tussock moth ( Orgyia leucostigma ), whose larvae damage orchard trees, and the exotic, invasive gypsy moth ( Lymantria dispar ).
How many hair tufts are there in caterpillars?
The caterpillars tend to be brightly colored with distinctive groups of hair tufts, some short and some long, often with 2 long tufts in the front and 2 or 3 at the hind end. The elongated clumps are sometimes called "pencils.". Some species have hollow, barbed hairs that sting with toxic spines.
Why do caterpillars have stinging hairs?
Stinging hairs are a defense against the caterpillars’ many predators. The bright colors warn predators of the unpalatable nature of the caterpillars. The hairs also probably help insulate the caterpillars from extreme temperatures and help protect them from drying out.
What order are butterflies and moths in Missouri?
About Butterflies and Moths in Missouri. Butterflies, skippers, and moths belong to an insect order called the Lepidoptera — the "scale-winged" insects. These living jewels have tiny, overlapping scales that cover their wings like shingles.
Why did people introduce gypsy moths to North America?
People introduced the invasive, destructive gypsy moth to North America in a failed attempt to jumpstart a silk-producing industry on our continent.
What is a tussock moth?
Tussock moths in the genus Orgyia are small moths that are best-known because of their attractive larvae. Figure 1. Fir tussock moth ( Orgyia detrita) caterpillar (dorsal view). Photograph by Donald W. Hall, University of Florida.
What do fir tussock moth larvae eat?
Hall, University of Florida. By the second instar, the larvae are already recognizable because of their short hair pencils. Young larvae eat holes in leaves.
What are tussock moths' enemies?
Predators: Tussock moth larvae have various natural enemies. Medina and Barbosa (2002) looked at predation of small and large Orgyia leucostigma larvae in a temperate forest and suggested that birds were the major predators of large larvae but most mortality of smaller larvae was probably due to failure to find a suitable host during ballooning dispersal and also possibly to predation by invertebrate predators in the leaf litter. Large ground beetles (Henn et al. 2009) and Polistes paper wasps (Castellanos et al. 2011) have also been reported to attack the larvae up in the trees.
What is the most common moth in Florida?
Orgyia detrita (the fir tussock moth) is the most common of the species in Florida followed by Orgyia leucostigma (the whitemarked tussock moth) and finally Orgyia definita (the definite tussock moth), which is rare in Florida (Foltz 2004). Much of the older literature places the tussock moths in the family Liparidae and more recently in ...
When do Orgyia detrita hatch?
In Florida, the overwintering eggs begin to hatch in late February. After hatching, the young larvae feed on the remaining egg mass and then spin a silk thread that they use to “balloon” for dispersal (Thurston 2002). Because adult females are flightless, ballooning by young larvae is the major mode of dispersal. Ballooning is also important given their propensity for spinning cocoons off their host plants (i.e., on buildings, fences, and other man-made objects).
Why is it so hard to control caterpillars in Florida?
Control of the caterpillars is difficult because by the time they are migrating from the trees, it is too late. In Florida, feeding damage to large trees by Orgyia species does not usually harm the trees. However, they may occasionally be sufficiently numerous to completely defoliate large trees. Also, large numbers of larvae blown onto small landscape trees may result in severe defoliation.
What are the black pencils on the prothorax?
They are characterized by hair pencils of black setae that extend forward from the prespiracular verrucae of the prothorax, a dorsal hair pencil of black setae on the eighth abdominal segment, dorsal tussocks on the first four abdominal segments, and mid-dorsal glandular structures on abdominal segments six and seven.
What are some examples of tussock caterpillars?
Some examples of Tussock Caterpillars found in Maine (The hairs on many members of this group may cause an itchy rash, especially for children): Banded Tussock (9/3/2020; Bucksport, ME; photo courtesy of Hannah A.) Browntail Moth (caterpillar stage) Hickory Tussock (the hairs on many tussock caterpillars can cause an itchy rash) Hickory Tussock.
Why do tussock caterpillars itch?
Tussock caterpillars (Erebidae family / previously Lymantriidae) were very abundant in Maine in 2011 and they were ‘itching’ for attention! One reason for all the attention they receive (during late summer and early fall) is that, unfortunately, the hairs on these caterpillars can cause a very itchy rash. The prickly hairs are a defense mechanism (they are not poisonous or venomous). It is important to note that children are more susceptible to the rash than are adults, and children are also much more likely to be playing with them and handling these showy critters (natural curiosity/fascination/playing outdoors). The rash from some of the members of this group tends to be short-lived, and clears up on its own after two or three hours. For other species, however, such as with the Hickory Tussock (see below), the rash can be much more severe and long-lasting, and a doctor’s visit might be warranted to speed one’s recovery and ease the symptoms / discomfort. The Browntail moth is also a member of the tussock group.
Is a browntail moth a tussock?
The Browntail moth is also a member of the tussock group.
Where are tussock moths found?
Tussock moth caterpillars are occasionally abundant and widespread in northcentral Florida. Besides the annoying presence of numerous hairy caterpillars, these insects may spin their difficult-to-remove cocoons on houses, boats, picnic tables and other outdoor articles. Feeding by the caterpillars usually has little impact on oak trees, ...
What is the life cycle of a whitemarked tussock moth?
The whitemarked tussock moth has a life cycle similar to that of Orgyia detrita. One distinguishing characteristic of this species is that females do not cover the eggs with abdominal hairs. Instead, we see a frothy-white egg mass on top of the cocoon.
What is the yellowhead caterpillar?
Orgyia definita, a yellowheaded tussock moth caterpillar. Caterpillars of Orgyia definita are readily identified by the yellow color of the head, prothoracic plate and dorsal glands. The hair pencils are less fully developed than in the other species.
What caterpillar has a yellow head?
The rarely-encountered third species, Orgyia definita, has a yellow or tan head to go with its pale body, hair pencils and tussocks. Management Recommendations: Persons disturbed by tussock moth caterpillars may wish to do some of the following:
What are parasitized larvae?
Parasitized Larva. There are many natural enemies of caterpillars feeding on leaves. In addition to predation by birds, reptiles and insects, larvae are parasitized by various flies and wasps. This picture shows a tussock moth cadaver and the puparium of a tachinid fly.
When do egg masses appear on cocoons?
Egg Mass on Cocoon#N##N#Eggs are deposited on cocoons by the wingless females in late April and early May. During oviposition, females cover the egg mass with hairs from their abdomen. Note the hair-covered egg mass on the cocoon on the left.
When do oak trees hatch?
Life Cycle: Hatch from the overwintering eggs starts around March 1 when oak trees are flushing.
What is the new family of tussock moths?
The new family (Erebidae) that the tussock moth subfamily now belongs to joins together several additional moth groups. Many of these (such as the underwing, or catocalid moths) used to be members of the formerly huge family Noctuidae. The noctuid family continues, but minus those groups. Another distinct group, the tiger and lichen moths, are in the same situation as the tussock moths: they also used to be in their own family, but have now been reduced to a subfamily (Arctiinae) in the new family Erebidae. These recent taxonomy revisions are confusing, but they represent a much greater clarity in our understanding of the true relationships among these animal groups.
Why do caterpillars have stinging hairs?
Stinging hairs are a defense against the caterpillars’ many predators. The bright colors warn predators of the unpalatable nature of the caterpillars. The hairs also probably help insulate the caterpillars from extreme temperatures and help protect them from drying out.
What order do butterflies belong to?
Butterflies, skippers, and moths belong to an insect order called the Lepidoptera — the "scale-winged" insects. These living jewels have tiny, overlapping scales that cover their wings like shingles. The scales, whether muted or colorful, seem dusty if they rub off on your fingers. Many butterflies and moths are associated with particular types of food plants, which their caterpillars must eat in order to survive.
Do tussock moths eat plants?
Adults lack functional mouthparts and do not eat. Larvae usually eat trees, shrubs, and other woody plants, but some species eat herbaceous plants. Compared to other moth groups, most tussock moths have a rather wide range of acceptable host plants.
What do tussock moths look like?
Tussock moth caterpillars hatch as tiny worms, which then grow to be 1 and a half inches in length once they are fully matured. They come in various brilliant colors like yellow, orange and black. When crawling, the Tussock Moth Caterpillar is able to stand vertically, which helps it to move from leaf to leaf to feed.
How big do tussock moths get?
Tussock Moths appear in large numbers in the spring and summer months and can grow up to an inch and a half long.
How many clumps of hair are there in a tussock moth?
Among prominent tussock moth species in the US, most feature two clumps of hair that jut from the head end, looking like antennae; one clump of hair jutting from the rear, looking like a tail; and four dense tufts or tussocks of fur along the caterpillar's back.
Can you touch a tussock moth?
If you are able to locate them, be careful and don't touch them. Their bright, vibrant colors are usually a signal that they are dangerous and shouldn't be handled. Tussock Moth Caterpillars go into pupation in cocoons that are attached to tree branches, trunks and the sides of homes, so watch out for those as well.
Introduction
Distribution
- Orgyia detrita: Coastal Plain from Long Island to Florida and Gulf States west to Texas (Ferguson 1978, Wagner 2005, Orgyia detritaentry at North American Moth Photographers Group web site). It is uncommon in the northern parts of its range. Orgyia leucostigma: Entire eastern U.S. and west to Minnesota and Texas (Ferguson 1978, Orgyia leucostigma entry at North American Moth Pho…
Description
- Larvae:Larvae are 1-1.5 inches in length. They are characterized by hair pencils of black setae that extend forward from the prespiracular verrucae of the prothorax, a dorsal hair pencil of black setae on the eighth abdominal segment, dorsal tussocks on the first four abdominal segments, and mid-dorsal glandular structures on abdominal segments six...
Life Cycle and Biology
- Orgyia detritais univoltine (one generation per year) while the other two species are bivoltine in Florida (Foltz 2006). In Florida, the overwintering eggs begin to hatch in late February. After hatching, the young larvae feed on the remaining egg mass and then spin a silk thread that they use to “balloon” for dispersal (Thurston 2002). Because adult females are flightless, ballooning b…
Host Plants
- Orgyia detrita: Although the common name is “fir tussock moth”, the only documented hosts are oaks and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) (Ferguson 1978). Orgyia leucostigma: Polyphagous. Heppner (2003) listed plants belonging to 116 genera that have been reported as hosts. A few common hosts include oak, cherry, hackberry, and willow. Orgyia definita: Only willow (Salixsp.) …
Medical Importance
- The medical importance of Orgyiaspecies caterpillars is well-documented in the scientific (Diaz 2005, Gilmer 1925, Goldman et al. 1960, Knight 1922) and clinical dermatology (Hossler 2009 & 2010 ) literature. Pruritic (itching) dermatitis due to tussock moth caterpillars has been reported to be a problem at child day-care centers and elementary schools in Florida (Atrubin et al. 2012, …
Natural Enemies
- Predators: Tussock moth larvae have various natural enemies. Medina and Barbosa (2002) looked at predation of small and large Orgyia leucostigma larvae in a temperate forest and suggested that birds were the major predators of large larvae but most mortality of smaller larvae was probably due to failure to find a suitable host during ballooning dispersal and also possibly to pr…
Control
- Control of the caterpillars is difficult because by the time they are migrating from the trees, it is too late. In Florida, feeding damage to large trees by Orgyiaspecies does not usually harm the trees. However, they may occasionally be sufficiently numerous to completely defoliate large trees. Also, large numbers of larvae blown onto small landscape trees may result in severe defol…
Cultural Entomology
- Insects are very popular in human culture. Images of butterflies and moths are common in movies, art, jewelry, and fabrics. Although the fir tussock moth is not a highly familiar moth even to most entomologists, an image of an adult male does appear in a popular design used on ornamental paper, wall art, journal covers, purses, and fabric (Tim Holtz, personal communicatio…
Selected References
- Arnaud PH. 1978. A Host-Parasite Catalog of North American Tachinidae (Diptera). United States Department of Agriculture Miscellaneous Publication 1319. Washington, D.C. (21 March 2020)
- Atrubin D, Granger K. April 28, 2006. Contact dermatitis in daycare facilities. EPI-NOTES Disease Surveillance Newsletter. Hillsborough County (Florida) Health Department.
- Arnaud PH. 1978. A Host-Parasite Catalog of North American Tachinidae (Diptera). United States Department of Agriculture Miscellaneous Publication 1319. Washington, D.C. (21 March 2020)
- Atrubin D, Granger K. April 28, 2006. Contact dermatitis in daycare facilities. EPI-NOTES Disease Surveillance Newsletter. Hillsborough County (Florida) Health Department.
- Atrubin D, Wansbrough L, Cruse K, Stanek D, Blackmore C. 2012.Caterpillar-associated rashes in children- Hillsborough County, Florida, 2011. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 61(12): 209-212. (...
- Beadle D, Leckie S. 2012. Petersen Field Guide to Moths of Northeastern North America. Houghton Mifflin Publishing Company. New York, New York. 611 pp.
