Tinged Tussock Moth
Common NameTinged Tussock Moth
Scientific NameDasychira basiflava
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLymantriinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorscream, orange
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, and forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsoak, birch, maple, willow
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy caterpillars, typical of tussock moths, often with prominent hair tufts. They pupate in a silken cocoon, frequently incorporating larval hairs for camouflage and protection.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of plain, pale forewings and a distinctly bright orange-yellow, densely hairy head and thorax. Males have feathery antennae, while females have simple antennae.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its plain, pale cream or yellowish-white forewings that contrast sharply with its very fuzzy, bright orange-yellow head and thorax.
