Banded Tussock Moth
Common NameBanded Tussock Moth
Scientific NameHalysidota tessellaris
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorspale yellow, cream, blue, orange
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, suburban areas, parks
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, elm, willow, ash, hickory, linden, apple
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'woolly bear' caterpillars, covered in dense tufts of black, white, and orange hairs. They overwinter as pupae in cocoons, emerging as adults in spring or summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pale, reticulated wings and the striking yellow and blue stripes on its fuzzy thorax. The caterpillars are also very distinctive with their colorful hair tufts.
Description
A pale yellow to cream-colored moth with a distinctive network of dark veins on its wings, giving a tessellated appearance. Its fuzzy thorax is adorned with prominent yellow and iridescent blue stripes.
