Side view of a Tussock Moth resting on the ground

Tussock Moths

Tussock moths in the genus Orgyia are small moths that are best-known because of their attractive larvae. Adults are usually quite hairy and generally have subdued colors in shades of brown, gray, or white. The antennae are comblike (bipectinate). Females frequently are larger than males, flightless, and may have the wings reduced or absent. As with the hairs on the caterpillars, the hair tufts on the end of the adult female’s abdomen may be skin irritating if touched.

Similar Posts

  • Beggar Moth

    The Beggar Moth is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found in eastern North America. The wingspan is 21–30 mm. Adults are on wing from May to September. There are three generations per year. Dark spots on the yellow wings of this moth might be mistaken for holes, giving this moth a tired…

  • Yellow-Fringed Dolichomia

    Yellow-Fringed Dolichomia is a purple moth with two yellow, triangular marks on the outer edge of each forewing. A thin yellow line running across the wings connects the left and right marks at the base of the triangle. The caterpillars of the Yellow-Fringed Dolichomia feed on oak leaves. Adults are drawn to lights, and are…

  • Elegant Grass-Veneer

    The Elegant Grass-Veneer is a moth of the family Crambidae. It is found from Ontario, Quebec and Maine to Florida. The wingspan of this moth is 12–15 mm. Adults are on wing from June to August in the north and from March to October in the south. There is one generation per year in the…

  • American Idia Moth

    The American Idia moth is a litter moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1854. It is commonly found in moist forests in North America, ranging from southern Canada to Florida and Texas. It is nocturnal and can be lured by sugar baits and light traps. The wingspan…