Brown Tussock Moth
Common NameBrown Tussock Moth
Scientific NameOrgyia antiqua
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLymantriinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, parks, hedgerows, scrubland
Geographic RangePalearctic (Europe, Asia, North Africa), introduced to North America
Host Plantsoak, willow, birch, hawthorn, fruit trees, rose
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are distinctive, hairy caterpillars with prominent tussocks of hair; females are flightless and lay eggs on their cocoons.
Identification TipsMales have strongly bipectinate (feathery) antennae and often a characteristic white discal spot on the forewing. Females are wingless and sack-like.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown and grey forewings featuring dark markings and wavy lines, and prominent feathery antennae.
