Whitebarred Tussock Moth
Common NameWhitebarred Tussock Moth
Scientific NameOrgyia detrita
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLymantriinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white, orange
HabitatDeciduous and coniferous forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States
Host Plantsoak, maple, fir, pine, cypress, sweetgum
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales are flightless and lay eggs on their cocoons. Larvae are hairy caterpillars, often with prominent hair pencils, feeding on a variety of trees.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive white patch on the outer forewing, the overall brownish-grey coloration, and the feathery antennae of the male. Females are wingless.
Description
A medium-sized moth with brownish-grey forewings featuring a prominent, irregular white patch or bar on the outer margin. The thorax is often reddish-brown or orange, and males possess distinctive feathery antennae.
