Spotted Tussock Moth: Essential Facts Uncovered

The spotted tussock moth is a fascinating creature that may have caught your eye due to its unique appearance. Native to North America, this moth species comes in various shades of brown, gray, or white, with adult females often being larger and flightless compared to their male counterparts source.

To better understand this intriguing species, it’s essential to examine its life cycle and behavior. Throughout their development, they experience significant transformations – starting as a larva, transforming into a pupa, and eventually emerging as an adult moth. Each stage has its distinct characteristics, making the spotted tussock moth a captivating subject for both hobbyists and scientific researchers alike.

Overview of Spotted Tussock Moth

The Spotted Tussock Moth, also known by its scientific name Lophocampa maculata, is an interesting moth species found in North America. This insect is part of the Lepidoptera order, which includes moths and butterflies.

The appearance of the Spotted Tussock Moth can be quite striking. Adult moths display:

• Bold black and white markings on their wings
• A hairy body with black and yellow tufts
• The ability to grow up to a size of around 2 inches

The spotted tussock moth’s life cycle begins with eggs, which hatch into caterpillars. These caterpillars are known for their:

• Distinctive look, featuring a combination of black, yellow, and white hairs
• Upright tufts, making them easily distinguishable from other caterpillar species
• Preference for feeding on deciduous trees and shrubs, such as maple, oak, and poplar

As with other moth species, the Spotted Tussock Moth also goes through a metamorphosis process. The caterpillars spin a cocoon before transforming into adult moths. Once they emerge as fully-grown adults, their primary focus is on mating and laying eggs, continuing their cycle of life.

In conclusion, Spotted Tussock Moths are fascinating insects with striking appearances and an intriguing life cycle. By understanding more about their characteristics and behavior, you can appreciate these unique moths in your surroundings.

Physical Description

Colors and Patterns

The spotted tussock moth exhibits various colors and patterns that make it visually appealing. Its forewings are generally a mix of white, yellow, and black, while the hind wings can be orange, brown, or tan. These moths often have hairy bodies, with white lashes around the edges of their wings and white hair tufts on their abdomen. The spotted tussock moth can also be considered a mottled tiger moth due to its striking patterns.

• White, Yellow, Black: Forewings
• Orange, Brown, Tan: Hind wings
• Hairy body: White lashes, hair tufts

Size and Wingspan

The adult spotted tussock moth typically has a wingspan that ranges between specific measurements. Males and females may vary in size, but both display the distinct color patterns and hairiness that makes them notable as a type of tiger moth. In this section, we’ll provide more details on their size and wingspan to give you a better understanding of how these moths compare to others.

Here’s a comparison table for the size of different tussock moths:

By observing these measurements, you can get a clearer picture of the spotted tussock moth’s appearance and characteristics.

Land of Habitat

The spotted tussock moth can be found in various regions across North America, including Canada, the United States, and specifically in states such as Kentucky and California. They are also found in British Columbia. These moths inhabit different types of environments, like deciduous forests, meadows, and other forested areas.

You may come across spotted tussock moths in wooded areas near your home or during nature walks. These moths are commonly found in places with a diverse range of host plants. Here’s a brief overview of where you can find these moths:

• Deciduous forests: Spotted tussock moths thrive in forests with deciduous trees that lose their leaves annually. These forests provide an abundance of host plants for their caterpillars.

• Meadows: Open meadows with a mix of grasses, wildflowers, and scattered shrubs also serve as suitable habitats for spotted tussock moths. As caterpillars, they can feed on a variety of plants found in these areas.

• Forests: While deciduous forests are their primary habitat, spotted tussock moths may also be found in mixed forests of both deciduous and evergreen trees. These moths are adaptable and can find suitable host plants in different environments.

Remember, when exploring these habitats, always be respectful of the nature around you and avoid disturbing the spotted tussock moths or their host plants. Happy spotting!

Lifecycle

Eggs

The lifecycle of the spotted tussock moth begins with the eggs. Female moths lay their eggs in masses on the leaves of host plants. These eggs provide the starting point for the development of the caterpillars.

Larva

When the eggs hatch, the larvae emerge, commonly known as caterpillars. They feed on the foliage of deciduous trees and shrubs, growing and shedding their skins through several stages called instars. These caterpillars are known for their vibrant colors, bold patterns, and distinctive tufts of hair. While feeding, they may:

• Spin silk threads to move between leaves
• Show a defensive posture by rearing up their head and tail sections

Towards the end of the larval stage, caterpillars prepare for pupation. They find a suitable location, often hidden under leaves or in crevices, and spin a cocoon to protect themselves during the pupal stage.

Pupa

Pupation marks the transformation from caterpillar to adult moth. Inside the cocoon, the caterpillar undergoes a complete metamorphosis. Its body reorganizes, with cells that were previously dormant becoming active to form the adult moth’s structures. The pupal stage is usually completed within a couple of weeks, although some species may overwinter as pupae and only emerge as adult moths in the following spring.

Adult Moth

The final stage of the spotted tussock moth’s lifecycle is the adult moth. When metamorphosis is complete, the adult moth emerges from the cocoon. These moths typically have subdued colors and can be identified by their comb-like antennae.

Adult moths have a short lifespan, living just long enough to find a mate and reproduce. Once females lay their eggs, the lifecycle begins anew, and the next generation of spotted tussock moths continues the cycle.

Diet and Predators

The spotted tussock moth is an interesting creature that’s worth learning more about. In this section, we’ll discuss its diet and predators.

Diet

Spotted tussock moth caterpillars are known to feed on a wide variety of trees and shrubs. Some examples of their preferred food sources include:

• Oak
• Maple
• Willow
• Poplar
• Birch
• Alder
• Basswood

It is also worth mentioning that they are not picky eaters. They happily consume the foliage of these trees and shrubs, which provide them with the necessary nutrients for growth.

Predators

As you might expect, spotted tussock moth caterpillars have their share of predators. Predatory insects, such as certain types of wasps and flies, may lay their eggs on or near the caterpillars, with the larvae then consuming the caterpillars. Additionally, birds are also known to prey on these caterpillars.

As adults, the spotted tussock moth feeds on nectar from various flowering plants, which also puts them at risk of predation. Common predators include bats and spiders, while some other insects may also pose a threat.

Here’s a quick summary of the spotted tussock moth’s diet and predators:

So remember, the next time you encounter a spotted tussock moth or its caterpillar, have in mind its interesting diet and the various predators it must face in the wild.

Gender Differences

In spotted tussock moths, you’ll find noticeable gender differences, a phenomenon called sexual dimorphism. Both males and females have distinct features and characteristics that set them apart. Let’s explore some of these differences.

Males of the spotted tussock moth tend to have a more vibrant coloration, including brighter shades of brown, gray, or white. Their antennae are typically comblike (bipectinate), which helps them detect pheromones released by the females. Male spotted tussock moths are generally smaller than the females.

On the other hand, females are usually larger than males. Female tussock moths have a more subdued coloration compared to their male counterparts, as they don’t need to attract mates. An interesting feature of female tussock moths is that they are often flightless, with reduced or even absent wings. This is because their primary purpose is to lay eggs and reproduce. They also have hair tufts on the end, which is different from the male moth.

Differences between male and female spotted tussock moths include:

• Size: Males are smaller while females are larger.
• Coloration: Males have brighter colors while females have more subdued tones.
• Antennae: Males have comblike (bipectinate) antennae while females have simpler ones.
• Flight: Males can fly while females are often flightless with reduced or absent wings.
• Hair tufts: Females have hair tufts on the end, while males do not.

By understanding these gender differences, you can better appreciate the unique characteristics and behaviors of the spotted tussock moth. So, the next time you come across one in nature, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking at.

Species Variation

The spotted tussock moth (Lophocampa maculata) has a few subspecies that you may find interesting. Some of them include the Spotted Halisidota, Agassizii, Texana, and the Yellow-spotted tiger moth. Each of these subspecies has unique characteristics and features, setting them apart from one another. Let’s dive into it!

The Spotted Halisidota (Halisidota tessellaris) mainly feeds on the foliage of deciduous trees and shrubs¹. Key features of this subspecies include:

• Generalist feeding habits
• Caterpillars with red and yellow spots
• Four median dorsal tufts on mature larvae

Agassizii (Halisidota agassizii) is another subspecies found in North America. Though there is limited information available about their specific habits and characteristics, it’s good to be aware of their existence within the spotted tussock moth family.

Moving on to the Texana (Halisidota texana), these moths can be found mainly in Texas and have distinct color patterns, with white forewings and yellow hindwings in males². Some traits of Texana include:

• Occurrence in early summer
• Preference for oak trees as host plants
• Cream to yellowish larvae with black bands and red warts

Lastly, the Yellow-spotted Tiger Moth (Lophocampa annulosa) is a distinctive species within the tussock moth family due to its bold yellow and black coloration. Some features of this subspecies are:

• Bright yellow body with black spots
• Wings with irregular black bands
• Distribution in the Central and Eastern United States

In conclusion, understanding the variations between spotted tussock moth subspecies helps to better identify them and appreciate the diversity within the tussock moth family. Happy moth spotting!

Environmental Impact

The Spotted Tussock Moth, belonging to the Erebidae family, plays a role in the ecosystem. Let’s explore its environmental impact:

Habitat: These moths inhabit temperate forests, where their larvae feed on a variety of trees and shrubs. For example, they consume leaves from oak, birch, and maple trees during their larval stage ^[1]^.

Defoliation: As they feed on leaves, Spotted Tussock Moth caterpillars can sometimes defoliate trees. However, this is usually not a cause for concern, as healthy trees can withstand defoliation and recover the following year.

• Endangered Species Impact: Spotted Tussock Moths do not pose a threat to any endangered species, unlike other invasive species like the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar), which can cause significant damage to ecosystems.

Here are some key points about the Spotted Tussock Moth and the Spongy Moth:

Ecosystem Balance: Overall, the Spotted Tussock Moth plays a role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. While their caterpillars consume leaves, they provide a food source for various animals like birds and small mammals within their habitat.

In conclusion, the Spotted Tussock Moth has a limited environmental impact compared to other invasive species. It is essential to be aware of ecosystem dynamics and the roles different organisms play in maintaining balance and supporting the delicate web of life.

Human Interactions

Handling and Potential Allergies

When handling spotted tussock moth caterpillars, you should be cautious as their hairs (setae) may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. These hairs can cause histamine release, leading to itching and redness of the skin. In more severe cases, handling them may even trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Since the hairs can also become airborne, it’s possible for them to cause respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and difficulty breathing, for sensitive individuals. So, it’s wise to avoid direct contact with these caterpillars.

When encountering caterpillars, it’s important to know how to handle them safely. Here are some tips:

• Wear gloves to prevent direct contact with hairs.
• Use a stick or tool to gently move the caterpillar, if necessary.
• Keep a safe distance from sensitive individuals.

Surveillance and Control

Monitoring for spotted tussock moth populations is essential to prevent any potential problems they may cause. You can take part in surveillance and control efforts to ensure these bugs are kept in check. Here are some methods to follow:

• Regularly inspect your garden or property for signs of caterpillar infestations, such as defoliated plants or caterpillar nests.
• If you find any spotted tussock moth caterpillar populations, consider contacting your local pest management authorities for advice on control methods.
• Consider introducing natural predators, like birds and parasitic wasps, to help reduce caterpillar populations.
• If chemical control is necessary, follow safety guidelines and use the least toxic, targeted pesticides available.

By following these guidelines, you can do your part in minimizing the negative impact of spotted tussock moth caterpillars on human health and the environment.

Conclusion

Spotted tussock moth caterpillars have a distinct appearance with black anterior and posterior segments separated by yellow or orange midsections. Their white lashes on the anterior and posterior help distinguish them from the Isabella tiger moth caterpillars, which belong to the same Erebidae family link.

As you have learned, these colorful caterpillars can be a fascinating subject to observe and study. Keep in mind the following key points:

• The adult moth colors are usually shades of brown, gray, or white with comblike antennae
• Female spotted tussock moth caterpillars tend to be larger and might have their wings reduced or absent. It is also important to remember the hairs on the caterpillars can be features to identify them from other species.

To sum it up, the spotted tussock moth is an interesting species within the insect world. The striking appearance of the caterpillar makes it stand out among other members of the moth family. By learning about this colorful creature, you have expanded your knowledge and understanding of the natural world around you.

Reader Emails

Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.

Letter 1 – Spotted Tussock Moth Cocoon and Imago from Canada

milkweed tussock moth cocoon and butterfly
Location:  south western ontario
August 4, 2010 12:30 pm
neighbour found caterpiller meeting milkweed tussock description. by the time it was brought to me allready made very cool fiberous cocoon. emerged after 4 months.
bug-eyed canadian

Hi bug-eyed canadian,
Your cocoon and adult moth are actually a different Tussock Moth.  Rather than the Milkweed Tussock Moth, this is the Spotted Tussock Moth, Lophocampa maculata, based on images posted to BugGuide.  We are thrilled to be able to add your photos of the Cocoon and Imago to the existing images of the Caterpillars of the Spotted Tussock Moth already posted to our site.

Letter 2 – Spotted Tussock Moth

Tussock moth?
I found this warming in the sun near Sebastopol (north of San Francisco). Some kind of tussock moth? Lovely site!
Joan

Hi Joan,
More specifically, this is a Spotted Tussock Moth, Lophocampa maculata.

Letter 3 – Spotted Tussock Moth

mystery moth
Location: Hoquiam, Washington, The United States
July 11, 2011 4:54 pm
My 9 year old daughter Phoenix caught this specimen. She tells me it’s not in Acorn and Sheldon’s ”Bugs of Washington and Oregon”. Can anyone identify this moth?
Signature: Kelly & Phoenix Fire Hogaboom

Dear Kelly and Phoenix Fire,
This is a Spotted Tussock Moth, Lophocampa maculata, and though it is a far ranging species, the closest matching image we could find on bugGuide was also from Washington.

Letter 4 – Spotted Tussock Moth

Subject: Moth ID
Location: Prince Rupert, B.C. Canada
June 30, 2015 1:43 pm
This moth was seen in Prince Rupert, B.C. Canada on May 24, 2015
If you know it’s name I’d be so happy!
Thanks
Signature: Thank you…Clees

Dear Clees,
At first we thought this was a Hickory Tussock Moth, but according to BugGuide:  “In Canada, this species is found only in Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario. Several in New Brunswick in 2006.”  We looked at related species in the genus, and now we have concluded that this is a lookalike relative, the Spotted Tussock Moth, Lophocampa maculata.  According to BugGuide, it is found:  “across southern Canada, western US, south in Appalachians to South Carolina, Kentucky.”

Letter 5 – Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar

California Caterpillar
Can you help identify this little guy? I found him on a cement wall in Santa Cruz county California.
Thanks Victor Morris

Hi Victor,
Your photo looks remarkably like a Spotted Tussock Moth (Lophocampa maculata).
The Caterpillars of the Eastern Forest site describes this caterpillar as being: “Black at either end with 4 or 5 orange abdominal segments. Numerous thin white lashes arise from black segments—these distinguish it from woolly bear, which it superficially resembles. Orange abdominal band broken by red or black middorsal tufts. Food: prefers willows and poplars but will consume most any shrub or tree. Caterpillar: July to September; 1 generation.”

Letter 6 – Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar

What’s this caterpillar?
Hello,
We live in Oregon and found this caterpillar in our backyard. We were wondering if you could tell us what kind it is. Thanks so much,
Emerson Vordermark

Hi Emerson,
This is a Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Lophocampa maculata. According to BugGuide: “Larvae prefer leaves of poplar and willow, but also feed on alder, basswood, birch, maple, oak.”

Letter 7 – Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar

How about this one?
Grazing on deciduous leaves in a remote canyon (5,000 feet) in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Dave Martz

Hi Dave,
This is a Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Lophocampa maculata.

Letter 8 – Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Caterpillar
Hi. I have been trying to identify this caterpillar but have not found a similar one. This one was on an apple tree. Thanks for your help and this is a wonderful site.
Dianne

Hi Dianne,
What a great photo of a Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Lophocampa maculata. It prefers willows and poplars, but will feed on many trees and shrubs.

Letter 9 – Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Black and Yellow Caterpillar
Help! I found a couple of these at Lake Tahoe, I followed them around for awhile, then said goodbye. I’d really like to know what kind it is and what it will turn into.
Sharon Dellinger

Hi Sharon,
Until someone informs us otherwise, be believe this to be the Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Lophocampa maculata, formerly Halisidota maculata. Many times the caterpillar has black tufts along the dorsal ridge, but we have located an image online that resembles your specimen.

Letter 10 – Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Lophocampa Maculata caterpillar
Hiya! I used your site to identify the caterpillars which are currently roaming over my area (heavily wooded area outside La Conner, in western Washington). Thought you might like a copy of my best pic. Cute little guys! I’m also trying to identify the spiders which are at the height of their seasonal activity. I think it might be a kind of wolf spider (I’m quite familiar with those, we have them everywhere…) since they are similar in size, general shape, “boxing gloves,” and behavior (no webs, running around, hiding under stuff). However, while wolf spiders are gray and kind of furry-looking, these have brown/black bodies, reddish-orange legs, and a smooth/shiny appearance. I haven’t been able to get a good pic of one yet, but I’ll send it along as soon as I have a good photo opportunity. Thanks for all your hard work, your site is the best!
Erika

Hi Erika,
Thanks for sending us your photo of a Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar. The spiders you describe sound like Wolf Spiders.

Letter 11 – Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar

white-bristled woolly bear?
Hi Lisa Anne and Daniel, I am unused to seeing white bristles
on woolly bears such as this one from central WY. Surely
it is an Isabella Tiger moth? I saw two on the same
peachleaf willow. Thanks,
Dwaine

Hi Dwaine,
This is actually a Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Lophocampa
maculata.

Letter 12 – Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Beautiful little furball caterpillar, but what is it?
Location: Campbellton, N.B. Canada
September 9, 2011 4:01 pm
Admittedly I am scared of many insects but yet at the same time strangely compelled by their beauty. But I love this website and your dedication is amazing. This guy was found in northern New Brunswick, Canada the beginning of September. He almost looks like a bumble bee but we were curious what he is & what he might turn out to be. Here’s hoping you can help us out because I didn’t see anything on the first half of the pages. There’s also another one of something I saw hopping along the ground on what looked like a tail, he has a body that looks like a skinny slug,and he was found in Halifax, NS, Canada. First time seeing something like that, so got curious about that too.
Signature: Fraidy cat bug admirer

Dear Fraidy cat bug admirer,
This Tiger Moth Caterpillar is known as the Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Lophocampa maculata, and it is found in many parts of North America.  According to BugGuide, the Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar feed on the :  ” leaves of poplar and willow, but also feed on alder, basswood, birch, maple, oak.”  Your other insect is a harmless Crane Fly.

Letter 13 – Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Caterpillar
Location: Southern California, Riverside
October 13, 2011 6:10 am
I shot this little guy Oct 08th 2011, in the San Bernadino Mts, Just west of Oak Glenn, at 4500 Ft altitude.
Signature: Rob Lusk

Hi Rob,
This is a Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Lophocampa maculata.  Often a food plant can be used to identify a caterpillar or other insect.  Your Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar appears to be feeding on blackberry or some other thorny shrub.  According to BugGuide:  “Larvae prefer leaves of poplar and willow, but also feed on alder, basswood, birch, maple, oak.”  Since they are listed as preferences, it implies that other plants are not as preferred as food.  BugGuide also has a nice example of regional caterpillar variations, and your individual most closely resembles the Rocky Mountain variation.  Perhaps that is really a high altitude variation.

Daniel, Thank You for the Identification.  The site is a fantastic resource, that I use frequently.  I figured it was on the site somewhere, but I gave up  too soon.
All the best,
Rob Lusk

Letter 14 – Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillars: Rare color variation

Subject: Unknown Creepy Crawlers
Location: Lasqueti Island, South-West BC
September 22, 2014 5:00 pm
Found a couple neat caterpillars on a calla lilly. Nobody that I’ve asked has ever seen one like them. Do you know what they are?
Signature: -N

Dear N,
This is a Tiger Moth Caterpillar and it is apparently an uncommon color variation.  We located a matching image on BugGuide with this comment:  “It looks like a rare color variant of L. maculata.”  Another similar looking variation is also pictured on BugGuide.  The more typical coloration on the Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar is black and orange.

Letter 15 – Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Subject: Couldn’t identify this Caterpillar
Location: Oregon, U.S
August 19, 2015 9:23 pm
Hey! I was on break while doing trail work in Oregon when I found this critter, I was wondering what type of caterpillar he is and I was curious if he was poisonous. Thanks for any help!
Signature: Austin Wolf

Dear Austin,
This appears to be a more unusual color variation of the Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Lophocampa maculata, based on this BugGuide image.  We have numerous images of the more common color pattern of the Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar on our site.

Letter 16 – Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Subject: White furry caterpillar
Location: Oregon, Columbia River Gorge near cascade locks.
November 15, 2015 3:20 pm
I saw this caterpillar while on a hike in Oregon in the Columbia River Gorge (not too far from Multnomah Falls). I took the hike in mid-August. Can you tell me what species it is?
Signature: Lisa

Dear Lisa,
This is a Spotted Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Lophocampa maculata, and according to BugGuide:  “Larvae prefer leaves of poplar and willow, but also feed on alder, basswood, birch, maple, oak.”