Smoked Tussock
Common NameSmoked Tussock
Scientific NameOlceclostera angelica
FamilyApatelodidae
SubfamilyApatelodinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (southern Canada to Florida, west to Texas)
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, cherry, willow
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy and feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees. They pupate in a cocoon, and adults are nocturnal, primarily focused on reproduction.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled gray-brown cryptic wing pattern, robust hairy body, and the prominent bipectinate (feathery) antennae, especially in males. It often rests with wings held tent-like over the body.
Description
A robust, medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned wings in mottled shades of gray and brown, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. Males possess distinctive, broad feathery antennae.
