Hickory tussock moth caterpillars are fascinating creatures found in North America. These caterpillars belong to the Lophocampa caryae species and are members of the Erebidae family of Lepidoptera. Known for their unique appearance, they have tufts of white and black hairs (setae) and black warts on their bodies.
Adult hickory tussock moths fly between May and June, while their caterpillars are present from July to September. Initially, the young larvae feed together on a few leaves before older larvae become more independent, feeding singly or in small groups. An important note for those who encounter hickory tussock moth caterpillars is to handle them with care, as their hairs can cause a very itchy rash for some people.
Hickory Tussock Moth Overview
Classification and Range
The Hickory Tussock Moth (Lophocampa caryae) is a type of tiger moth belonging to the Erebidae family of Lepidoptera. These moths are commonly found in North America and are known for their distinctive caterpillars.
Features of the Hickory Tussock Moth:
- Scientific name: Lophocampa caryae
- Family: Erebidae
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Distribution: North America
Habitat and Preferred Hosts
Hickory Tussock Moths have a preference for hardwood trees. Some of their favorite hosts include:
- Birch
- Quaking aspen
- Basswood
- Black locust
Caterpillars of the Hickory Tussock Moth are present from July to September and feed on the leaves of their preferred host trees. Initially, they feed in groups and later become more solitary or feed in smaller groups. It is important to handle these caterpillars with care, as their hairs can cause an itchy rash for some people.
Life Cycle and Appearance
Eggs and Larvae
The life cycle of the hickory tussock moth begins with the female laying eggs in clusters of up to 100 or more on the underside of leaves during May-June1. These eggs hatch into young larvae that feed together on one or a few closely associated leaves. As they grow older, larvae become more solitary and feed singly or in small groups from July to September1.
For reference, some key characteristics of hickory tussock moth caterpillars include:
It is important to handle hickory tussock moth caterpillars with care, as contact with their hairs can cause an itchy rash for some people2.
Cocoons and Adult Moths
The caterpillars eventually spin cocoons, which usually have a minimal impact on trees3. Some common trees where cocoons may be found include oak4 and birch5. These cocoons typically remain through the fall and winter months.
In the spring, adult moths emerge from the cocoons with a wingspan of approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)6. Adult hickory tussock moths are visually similar to other tiger moths, featuring black and white patterns on their wings7. The table below compares hickory tussock moths and adult tiger moths:
| Feature | Hickory Tussock Moth | Adult Tiger Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) | Varies, around 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) |
| Coloring | Black and white patterns on wings | Various patterns and colors, including black, white, and orange |
| Hairs | None on adult moths | None on adult moths |
Every part of the hickory tussock moth’s life cycle, from eggs to larvae to cocoons and adult moths, plays a role in their growth and reproduction. Comprehending their appearance and behaviors is crucial for proper identification and understanding its ecological impact.
Feeding and Host Plants
Common Trees and Shrubs
The hickory tussock moth primarily feeds on various trees and shrubs. Some common host plants include:
- Hickory: A tree native to North America, used for timber and nut production.
- Ash: Known for ornamental purposes and durability, utilized in making tools and furniture.
- Elm: Large trees, appreciated for their strong wood and aesthetics.
- Oak: Used in making furniture and wine barrels, famous for their distinctive acorns.
- Walnut: Well-loved for their nuts and hardwood, often used in furniture-making.
- Willow: A family of relatively fast-growing trees, used in landscaping and making baskets or furniture.
Some other trees and shrubs that can be hosts to the hickory tussock moth are:
- Pecan: Provides nutritious edible nuts, used in many recipes.
- Aspen: This tree is admired for its beautiful foliage and is used in making furniture, plywood, and paper.
- American Hornbeam: Known for its strength, utilized in making bows, tool handles, and golf clubs.
- Birch: Recognized for their white bark and used in making paper, furniture, and canoes.
- Quaking Aspen: A subspecies of aspen, known for its shimmering foliage.
- Basswood: Soft, lightweight wood, commonly used for carving and furniture making.
- Black Locust: Also known as false acacia, it has strong, rot-resistant wood used for fencing and furniture.
| Tree | Characteristics | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Hickory | Native to North America, nut production | Timber, wood products |
| Ash | Strong, durable wood | Tools, furniture |
| Elm | Ornamental, tough wood | Landscape, wood products |
| Oak | Acorns, versatile uses | Furniture, wine barrels |
| Walnut | Hardwood, edible nuts | Furniture, food |
| Willow | Fast-growing, flexibility | Furniture, landscaping |
| Quaking Aspen | Famous for shimmering foliage | Furniture, plywood, paper |
| Basswood | Soft and lightweight wood | Carving, furniture making |
| Black Locust | Strong, rot-resistant wood | Fencing, furniture |
The hickory tussock moth can often be found in forests where these host plants are available. It is important to protect these trees while managing moth populations to ensure a healthy ecosystem.
Defensive Mechanisms and Human Interactions
How They Defend Themselves
Hickory tussock moth caterpillars have a unique defense mechanism that involves their setae, or hair-like structures. These setae contain a mild venom which can cause an itchy rash if it comes into contact with human skin. Birds, bats, and other potential predators are also deterred by this defense mechanism.
Caterpillar Defense Mechanisms:
- Venomous setae
- Itchy rash for humans and predators
Tips for Handling Caterpillars
It is essential to handle hickory tussock moth caterpillars with care, as their setae may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Some general tips for minimizing risk when handling or encountering these caterpillars include:
- Wearing gloves when handling the caterpillar
- Avoiding direct contact with skin
- Washing skin with soap and water if contact occurs
- Applying calamine lotion to soothe irritation or itching
- Seeking medical attention if a severe rash or allergic reaction occurs
Geographical Distribution
These caterpillars can be found in various regions, ranging from New Brunswick, Wisconsin, and Texas to North Carolina, Illinois, and Mexico. They are commonly observed in deciduous woods, leaf litter, and along streams.
Pros and Cons of Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillars
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Play a role in maintaining the ecological balance | May cause itchy rashes and allergic reactions in humans |
| Can be aesthetically pleasing | Can defoliate hardwood trees in some cases |
Remember to stay cautious when encountering hickory tussock moth caterpillars in the wild, and always handle with care to avoid any potential skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Predators, Threats, and Control Methods
Natural Predators
Hickory tussock moth caterpillars have several natural predators, which help keep their population in check. Some examples of these predators include:
- Birds
- Parasitic wasps
Threats
The hickory tussock caterpillar can be a threat to a variety of hardwood trees, particularly in Maine where they have a fondness for birch, quaking aspen, basswood, and black locust.
Population Management
Scientific management strategies for controlling hickory tussock caterpillar populations can help minimize their threat to host plants. One effective method involves monitoring the caterpillar’s life stages, such as eggs and instars, to predict and prevent their impact.
Overall, understanding the natural predators, threats, and management strategies for the hickory tussock moth caterpillar can aid in keeping their populations under control and protecting their host plants.
Footnotes
- Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar – Penn State Extension ↩ ↩2
- Hickory Tussock – Home and Garden IPM from Cooperative Extension ↩ ↩2 ↩3
- Tussock Moth Caterpillars in Florida – Entomology and Nematology Department ↩
- Common Insect Pests of Hickory – University of Kentucky ↩
- HICKORY TUSSOCK MOTH – Maine ↩
- Wagner, David L. Caterpillars Of Eastern North America: A Guide To Identification. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2005. Print. ↩
- Tiger Moths: Erebidae – Description, Lifecycle, and Interesting Facts ↩
11 Comments. Leave new
My daughter found a Hickory Tussock Moth in our yard. She put it in a jar & it now is Cocooned! Were excited to see what it look’s like! Ty for your images!
So we found one on a shoe inside the house last night. We put it in the house in a jar with some leaves while we slept to try to figue out in the morning where in our huge yard it came from… (100 acres) when we awoke it had pupate d and now we have a cocoon in a leaf and stick!! What is the best thing to do for this sweet moth? Keep it outside in the jar? (I wouldn’t know how to attach it to anything… Or in the basement near the garage so it stays cool?? How long will it stay there? Does it need to be “rained” on…? Does it need sunlight? Etc…
Thanks for your help!!!
So we found one on a shoe inside the house last night. We put it in the house in a jar with some leaves while we slept to try to figue out in the morning where in our huge yard it came from… (100 acres) when we awoke it had pupate d and now we have a cocoon in a leaf and stick!! What is the best thing to do for this sweet moth? Keep it outside in the jar? (I wouldn’t know how to attach it to anything… Or in the basement near the garage so it stays cool?? How long will it stay there? Does it need to be “rained” on…? Does it need sunlight? Etc…
Thanks for your help!!!
We would recommend that the cocoon be kept where it is exposed to conditions similar to the outdoors. The cocoon should not dry out entirely. A sheltered location would be best. You do not want a glass jar to be filled with rain water, however, being rained on is not a problem. We have not heard of sunlight being a critical factor.
I found two of these adorable little fuzzies in my house. It has been getting very cold at night so I have kept them so far. Should I let them go? I’ve been finding dead ones out in the yard recently…. What should I do for these adorable little creatures to ensure they are well taken care of?
They should be able to survive on their own if you put them near an appropriate source of food.
are the white hickory tussock moth caterpillar in Kentucky?
According to BugGuide data, Hickory Tussock Moths are reported from Kentucky.
The beginning of March I found a Hickory Tussock laying eggs on a bookcase in my house. I left it alone and eventually I found it dead in a basket. I feel terrible about this and wanted to know if they die after they lay eggs. What is the lifespan of an adult female moth? I have searched every site online and no one clearly answers this question.
Thank you
The beginning of March I found a Hickory Tussock laying eggs on a bookcase in my house. I left it alone and eventually I found it dead in a basket. I feel terrible about this and wanted to know if they die after they lay eggs. What is the lifespan of an adult female moth? I have searched every site online and no one clearly answers this question.
Thank you
Found white fuzzy/black body caterpillars on a tree in backyard. They were close together and would jerk as if electrocuted, in unionism, every few seconds. What in the world was going on?