Fauna
Insect

Hickory Tussock Moth

Lophocampa caryae

Also known as Hickory Tiger Moth, Hickory Halisidota

Hickory tussock moth caterpillars are conspicuous late-summer feeders, covered in dense white and black hair tufts with two pairs of long black sensory pencils near the head and tail. While adult moths are cryptically patterned in warm yellowish brown and silvery cream, the fuzzy larvae are famous for microscopic barbed setae that cause contact dermatitis in sensitive skin. Females lay clusters of eggs on the undersides of hardwood leaves, where early-instar caterpillars feed communally before dispersing across the forest canopy.

FuzzyCaterpillarForest Dweller
Hickory Tussock Moth reference1 / 7
(c) Cyndy Sims Parr, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyHickory Leaves, Walnut Leaves, Ash Leaves
Predators
  • Cuckoos
  • Parasitoid Wasps
  • Lacewings
ThreatsHabitat loss, extreme weather, and pesticide use
HabitatsDeciduous forests, woodlands, parks, and suburban yards
Life span1 year
Classification
  1. OrderLepidoptera
  2. FamilyErebidae
  3. GenusLophocampa
  4. SpeciesLophocampa caryae
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Barbed caterpillar hairs cause contact dermatitis; observe without touching bare-handed.
Why it is dangerous
Microscopic barbed setae break off caterpillar bodies and lodge into skin, triggering localized rash and irritation.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognize caterpillars by their white fluffy bodies, black back line, and long black hair pencils at front and rear.
What to do
Observe without touching, and use adhesive tape to remove hairs from skin if accidental contact occurs.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Look for fuzzy white caterpillars feeding on hardwood leaves from July through October.
  • Handling: Do not pick up larvae with bare hands, as barbed hairs embed easily in skin.
  • Yard Care: Leave fallen leaf litter around trees to protect overwintering cocoons.
Related species
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