Canary Islands Tussock Moth
Common NameCanary Islands Tussock Moth
Scientific NameCalliteara fortunata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLymantriinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsgrey, black, white, brown
HabitatLaurel forests, humid woodlands
Geographic RangeCanary Islands
Host PlantsLaurus azorica, Erica arborea, Myrica faya, Salix canariensis
Flight PeriodYear-round, with peaks in spring and autumn
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are typically hairy, often with tufts of bristles, feeding on various trees and shrubs before pupating.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its cryptic grey and black mottled forewings with wavy patterns, robust hairy body, and its endemic presence in the Canary Islands.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a robust, hairy body and mottled grey, black, and white forewings featuring wavy dark bands, providing excellent camouflage.
