Iris Tussock Moth
Common NameIris Tussock Moth
Scientific NameLymantria iris
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLymantriinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatForests, woodlands
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia (e.g., India, Nepal, China)
Host Plantsdeciduous trees, coniferous trees
Flight PeriodJune to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are typically hairy caterpillars, often feeding on a variety of trees before pupating and emerging as adults.
Identification TipsIdentified by its robust, hairy body and the distinctive cryptic, mottled brown and grey forewing pattern. Males have prominent bipectinate (feathery) antennae.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, triangular forewings featuring a highly cryptic, mottled pattern of dark brown, light brown, and greyish-white, providing excellent camouflage.
