Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Spotted tussock moth

Spotted tussock moth

Lophocampa maculata

A species of Lophocampa, Also known as Mottled tiger, Spotted halisidota

The spotted tussock moth (Lophocampa maculata) gets its name from the long tufts of hair it has as a caterpillar. The adults are a mix of yellow and brown while the larvae are a fuzzy pattern of yellow and black. These larvae are pests because they consume a wide range wood, including birch, oak, maple, and willow.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Does the Spotted tussock moth cause allergies?
Allergenic
General Info About Spotted tussock moth
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Spotted tussock moth
Colors
Yellow
Orange
Habitat
deciduous tree
Larva Food Source
Deciduous tree leaves, quercus species (oaks), castanea species (chestnuts)
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Spotted tussock moth feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Vestigial
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Spotted tussock moth
It is found in Canada and the United States.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Spotted tussock moth
Canada, United States, South Carolina, Kentucky
Rectangle
Appearance of Spotted tussock moth
The wingspan is 3.5 - 4.5 cm. The final instar is black at the ends, with a yellow or orange middle section, which in some populations has black spots.
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Spotted tussock moth?

Rectangle
Predators of Spotted tussock moth Larvae
Birds, wasps, spiders
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Spotted tussock moth
Bats, birds, spiders
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Spotted tussock moth
Spotted tussock moth's larvae can detoxify and accumulate plant toxins, which they use as a defense mechanism against predators in their habitat.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Spotted tussock moth
Tips for Finding Spotted tussock moth
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Spotted tussock moth
Forests and Woodlands
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Spotted tussock moth
Forests and Woodlands
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Spotted tussock moth Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of spotted tussock moth are typically found on the underside of leaves of host plants. When searching for larvae, look around areas with dense foliage where the host plants are situated, as caterpillars will primarily feed and grow there. Pupae generally form in protected spots near the ground, such as under fallen leaves or in loose soil. Adult spotted tussock moth, being moths, are primarily nocturnal and attracted to light, so they might be found near light sources at night or resting on vegetation during the day.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Spotted tussock moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Spotted tussock moth eggs are typically tiny and laid in clusters on the underside of host plant leaves. They can be found by carefully examining the host plants and looking for small, round or oval eggs.
Larva Spotted tussock moth caterpillars can be found on or near their food plants. They are often more active at night, so gently searching host plants with a flashlight after dusk may reveal them.
Pupal Spotted tussock moth pupae may be found attached to plants, under leaf litter, or in other sheltered places near the larval food source. To find them, search in these areas, paying particular attention to the stems and leaves of plants.
Adult Spotted tussock moth adults can be lured with light traps set up outdoors during their active periods. Alternatively, offering sweet bait on tree trunks or near potential feeding sites can attract them.
Are Spotted tussock moth harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Harmful Effects of Spotted tussock moth
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Icon toxic for
Toxic to Humans
Icon toxic for
Allergenic
Rectangle
Toxic to Humans

Spotted tussock moth's larvae possess urticating hairs that can release irritating compounds upon contact. While not inherently toxic, these compounds, potentially including histamines, can cause a mild toxic effect when they penetrate human skin. Symptoms typically include itching, burning, and rash, which are usually short-term. In rare severe cases, an intense reaction may require medical attention. Direct touch should be avoided to prevent discomfort.

Rectangle
Does the Spotted tussock moth cause allergies?

Spotted tussock moth has the potential to cause allergies in humans primarily during its larval stage. The allergen is the hair of the larvae, which can cause reactions through contact. The symptoms of the allergy can range from mild to severe, and it affects a small number of people. The severity of symptoms varies, but common reactions include itching, rashes, or respiratory issues. Precautionary measures should be considered when handling or coming into contact with these caterpillars.

Rectangle
Garden and Landscape Pest

Larvae of spotted tussock moth can result in mild to severe damage by chewing on leaves and stems, leading to defoliation and weakened stems. Young plants may die if heavily infested, while mature plants suffer aesthetic damage. The results can include reduced garden appeal and a possible decrease in property value.

More Effects of Spotted tussock moth

Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow