Cocoa Tussock Moth
Common NameCocoa Tussock Moth
Scientific NameOrgyia postica
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLymantriinae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Primary Colorsbrown, grey
HabitatTropical and subtropical plantations, forests, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, China, Japan, and Australia
Host PlantsTheobroma cacao, Coffea spp., Camellia sinensis, Hevea brasiliensis, Ricinus communis
Flight PeriodYear-round (multiple generations in tropical climates)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are hairy caterpillars with prominent tufts, known to defoliate host plants. Females are flightless and lay eggs on their cocoons.
Identification TipsMales are identified by their mottled brown and grey forewings with characteristic markings and feathery antennae. Females are wingless and sack-like. The hairy caterpillars with dorsal tufts are also distinctive.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown and grey forewings, featuring darker wavy lines and distinct, somewhat circular markings. Its body is robust and hairy, and it has prominent, feathery antennae.
