Indistinct Tussock Moth
Common NameIndistinct Tussock Moth
Scientific NameLophocampa indistincta
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak, maple, willow, birch, elm
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'woolly bear' caterpillars, covered in dense hairs, often black with some orange or yellow. They feed on various deciduous trees and pupate in a cocoon incorporating their hairs.
Identification TipsKey features include the overall reddish-brown coloration and the very subtle, often barely visible, darker markings on the forewings, which give it its 'indistinct' name. Males have bipectinate antennae.
Description
This is a medium-sized, fuzzy moth with a uniformly reddish-brown body and forewings, sometimes showing very faint, darker, indistinct spots or streaks. The hindwings are typically paler.
