Pale Tussock Moth
Common NamePale Tussock Moth
Scientific NameCalliteara pudibunda
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLymantriinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, pale
HabitatWoodlands, forests, parks, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia (e.g., Turkey, Caucasus, Siberia, Japan)
Host Plantsoak, beech, birch, willow, lime, hazel, fruit trees
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches. The larvae are highly distinctive, very hairy, typically bright yellow or green with prominent red tufts of hair on the back and a noticeable red 'tail' tuft. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale greyish-brown mottled forewings with wavy transverse lines, the robust and hairy body, and the strongly bipectinate (feathery) antennae in males. The unique appearance of the caterpillar is also a strong identifier.
Description
A robust, medium-sized moth with a very hairy, pale greyish-brown body and forewings mottled with darker grey-brown wavy lines and bands, often with a pale patch near the tornus. Males possess prominent feathery antennae.
