What does a tussock moth turn into?
As caterpillars grow, they become hairier and more colorful. Mature caterpillars will have red spots on their sides, yellow markings with hairs, four prominent white tufts of hair (tussocks) on their backs, two large black tufts on the head and a single posterior tuft.
Are tussock moths good or bad?
Large infestations of Douglas-Fir Tussock Moths can cause severe damage to trees—or even kill them. A single generation lives each year. The larvae hatch in late spring when new growth has developed on the host trees. As the caterpillars mature, they develop their characteristic dark tufts of hair at each end.
How do you take care of a tussock moth caterpillar?
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) controls tussock moth larvae, especially if applied when most larvae are young. Bacillus thuringiensis kills only caterpillars (butterfly and moth larvae) that feed on sprayed foliage.
Where do white marked tussock moths live?
eastern North America
Orgyia leucostigma, the white-marked tussock moth, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797. The caterpillar is very common especially in late summer in eastern North America, extending as far west as Texas, California, and Alberta.
What kills tussock moth caterpillar?
Bacillus thuringiensis
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) controls tussock moth larvae, especially if applied when most larvae are young. Bacillus thuringiensis kills only caterpillars (butterfly and moth larvae) that feed on sprayed foliage.
What do white-marked tussock moths eat?
Look no further than trees and brush, as these caterpillars feed on a large variety of leaves including oak, pecan, hickory, walnut, willow, rose, maple, pear, and many others, including conifers.
Are white-marked tussock moths harmful?
White caterpillar’s like White-Marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar Orgyia leucostigma) have what can best be described as toxic pincushion hairs on their backs. And even worse, contact with the hairs of this caterpillar don’t just cause you to recoil, the hairs actually are embedded in your skin.
