Speckled Tussock Moth
Common NameSpeckled Tussock Moth
Scientific NameDasychira basiflava
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLymantriinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsyellow, tan, brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from southern Canada to Florida, west to Texas)
Host Plantsoak, hickory, maple, birch, willow, apple, cherry
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy caterpillars, often with prominent tufts of hair (tussocks), feeding on a variety of deciduous trees before pupating in cocoons.
Identification TipsLook for the unique network of dark brown lines and speckles on a pale yellow or tan background of the forewings, and its fuzzy body. Males have feathery antennae.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a fuzzy, yellowish-tan body and wings, featuring a distinctive reticulated pattern of dark brown lines and speckles on its forewings.
