Spotted Tussock Moth
Common NameSpotted Tussock Moth
Scientific NameLophocampa maculata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorscream, orange, brown
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeNorth America (southern Canada and much of the United States)
Host Plantsalder, willow, birch, maple, oak, poplar, aspen
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy 'woollybear' caterpillars, typically black with orange or yellow tufts, feeding on various deciduous trees. They overwinter as pupae in cocoons, with adults emerging in spring and summer.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pattern of creamy yellow or pale orange wings with irregular, dark reddish-brown spots and bands. The fuzzy, pale orange-yellow body is also a key feature.
Description
A medium-sized moth with creamy yellow to pale orange wings marked with irregular, dark reddish-brown spots and bands. Its body is stout and covered in dense, pale orange-yellow fur.
