Insect · GBIF taxon 1819873
Rusty Tussock Moth
Orgyia antiquaAlso known as Vapourer, Vapourer Moth
Rusty tussock moths exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism, with winged rust-brown males patrolling during the day for flightless, plump females that remain perched on their pupal cocoons. The brightly tufted caterpillars sport four dense clumps of yellowish hairs alongside extended dark hair pencils near the head and tail. After mating, females lay hundreds of eggs directly onto their former cocoons, securing the next generation in place.
Flightless FemalesHairy CaterpillarMoth
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Oak leaves
- Birch leaves
- Willow leaves
Predators
- Insectivorous birds
- Parasitoid wasps
- Spiders
ThreatsHabitat degradation and pesticide exposure
HabitatsWoodlands, hedgerows, parks, and gardens
Life span1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyErebidae
- GenusOrgyia
- SpeciesOrgyia antiqua
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Caterpillar hairs can irritate skin; avoid handling larvae directly.
- Why it is dangerous
- The caterpillars possess urticating hairs that cause localized skin irritation, itching, or rashes upon contact.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognize caterpillars by four dense yellow-white dorsal tufts and prominent dark pencil hairs at the head.
- What to do
- Observe from a close distance without physical contact, and refrain from touching pupal silk which retains loose hairs.
Responsible observation
- Spotting Males: Search for orange-brown adult males fluttering in an erratic day-flying pattern during late summer.
- Finding Larvae: Inspect broadleaf tree foliage in early summer to find the distinctive, tufted caterpillars.
- Safe Viewing: Avoid touching the caterpillars or cocoons directly to prevent contact with irritating urticating hairs.
Close Relative Close Relative 
Family Relative (c) Patrick Hanly, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Patrick Hanly · cc-by
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Species set
Moonlight Marvels
Rusty Tussock Moth is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
—/7
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.