Scintillating Tussock Moth
Common NameScintillating Tussock Moth
Scientific NameSomena scintillans
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLymantriinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, yellow, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, plantations
Geographic RangeIndia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia
Host PlantsShorea robusta, Terminalia, Acacia, Mangifera indica, Ricinus communis
Flight PeriodYear-round (multiple generations in tropical climates)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are typically hairy, often with tufts of hair, and some species in this subfamily have urticating hairs. They pupate in a silken cocoon, frequently incorporating their larval hairs for protection.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the speckled light brown forewings, the contrasting bright yellow hindwings, and the distinctly fuzzy, yellow body and legs.
Description
This moth has a fuzzy, yellowish-brown body and legs. Its forewings are light brown, densely covered with small black speckles, while the hindwings are a vibrant yellow with a brownish base and a prominent yellow fringe.
