Tephra Tussock Moth
Common NameTephra Tussock Moth
Scientific NameDasychira tephra
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLymantriinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, black, brown, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba)
Host Plantsoak, birch, willow, maple, poplar, cherry
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy caterpillars, often with tufts of hair, feeding on deciduous tree leaves. They pupate in cocoons incorporating larval hairs. Adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled grey forewings with two prominent, wavy dark transverse bands. The overall cryptic coloration helps it blend with tree bark. Males have strongly bipectinate (feathery) antennae.
Description
This is a medium-sized moth with a furry, grey body and mottled grey forewings featuring prominent dark, wavy transverse bands. Its antennae are feathery, especially in males.
