Insect · GBIF taxon 1817729
Spotted Tussock Moth
Lophocampa maculataAlso known as Yellow-Spotted Tussock Moth, Mottled Tiger, Spotted Halisidota
Spotted Tussock Moths emerge in late spring to early summer, featuring mottled warm yellow forewings sprinkled with dark brown patches. Their caterpillars are striking, clad in dense tufts of yellow or orange hairs flanked by bold black bands at both ends. Found in northern and western woodlands, the larvae feed quietly on the canopy foliage of deciduous trees before overwintering inside tough silk cocoons.
CaterpillarMothFurry
1 / 6—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Willow leaves
- Poplar leaves
- Birch leaves
Predators
- Songbirds
- Bats
- Parasitoid wasps
ThreatsHabitat loss, widespread pesticide usage, and artificial light pollution
HabitatsDeciduous forests, mixed woodlands, river valleys, and parks
Life span1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyErebidae
- GenusLophocampa
- SpeciesLophocampa maculata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Caterpillar bristles can cause minor skin irritation; avoid handling larvae with bare hands.
- Why it is dangerous
- Barbed setae on the caterpillar release chemical irritants that cause localized itching and rashes.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Dense hairy body featuring black tufts at both ends separated by a yellow or orange midsection.
- What to do
- Observe from a close distance without direct handling, using a twig to relocate if necessary.
Responsible observation
- Light Observation: Look for nocturnal adults near porch lights or outdoor lamps on humid summer nights.
- Safe Handling: Use a sturdy leaf or stick to gently move caterpillars off walkways without touching them.
- Habitat Support: Leave fallen autumn leaves beneath native host trees to protect overwintering pupae.
Competitor no rights reserved, uploaded by Liubov Ilminska · cc0
Host Plant (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Cyndy Sims Parr, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Tribe Relative "Woolly Bear Caterpillar Spotted!" by soomness is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
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Species set
Moonlight Marvels
Spotted Tussock Moth is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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