Rusty Tussock Moth
Common NameRusty Tussock Moth
Scientific NamePseudorgyia russula
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLymantriinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, grayish-brown
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow, apple, cherry, rose
Flight PeriodApril to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are hairy caterpillars, often with tussocks of hair, feeding on various deciduous trees and shrubs.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its cryptic mottled brown pattern, the prominent pointed labial palps, and the specific wavy transverse lines and small black spots on the forewings.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown and tan forewings, featuring darker wavy lines and small black spots. It has a somewhat pointed head due to prominent labial palps.
