Subject: Moth or Not Moth?
Location: Holly Springs, MS.
October 1, 2016 4:45 am
Hi!
As I was a “bug queen” for a day a few years ago on WTB, I thought I would ask about something I’ve never seen before.
The enclosed pics are of the siding in my house. There appears to be a “nest” to the left of a white moth. However, I did NOT see any wings on this “moth.” The nest had soft dried grass to the left, but the white part to the right was hard like plastic.
Would appreciate some bug love with an answer as to what my new critter friend is.
Thanks for all the wonderful info you give to your fans!
Signature: Stephanie Berry
Dear Stephanie,
There are several groups of moths in which the female is flightless, and we believe your moth is a Whitemarked Tussock Moth, Orgyia leucostigma, or a closely related member of the genus. Tussock Moths are also known as Vaporer Moths. Here is an image from BugGuide. According to BugGuide: “Flightless females lay a froth-covered mass of up to 300 eggs after mating.”
Thank you so much for the info!! I never knew there were flightless moths!
You do an amazing job for your readers!!!
Much love,
Steph aka Ellie Mae