Insect · GBIF taxon 5102324
Large Tolype Moth
Tolype velledaAlso known as Velleda Lappet Moth
Large tolype moths resemble miniature snowy bundles, cloaked in dense, woolly scales of ash grey and chalky white that break up their outline against tree bark. Adults lack functional mouthparts, living only a few brief days solely to mate and lay eggs along host twigs before autumn freezes set in. During the day, they remain motionless with their downy front legs extended forward, relying on exceptional crypsis to evade sharp-eyed birds.
NocturnalWoollyForest Dweller
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Larvae eat broadleaf deciduous foliage; adults do not feed.
Predators
- Bats
- Songbirds
- Parasitoid Wasps
ThreatsArtificial light pollution, broad-spectrum pesticide spraying, and habitat fragmentation
HabitatsDeciduous and mixed woodlands, suburban woodlots, and forest edges
Life span1 year total life cycle; adults live 5–10 days
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyLasiocampidae
- GenusTolype
- SpeciesTolype velleda
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Caterpillars possess urticating hairs that can cause a localized rash; avoid touching them.
- Why it is dangerous
- Larval setae contain mechanical and mild chemical irritants that cause contact dermatitis, itching, and red welts upon contact.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Larvae are flattened, bark-like grey caterpillars bordered by lateral fringes of pale hairs and hidden dark bands between segments.
- What to do
- Do not handle caterpillars with bare skin; observe them on foliage or use a leaf or stick to move them.
Responsible observation
- Night Lighting: Use blacklights or porch lights in late summer and autumn to attract resting adults.
- Gentle Inspection: Adults are entirely harmless and docile; let them perch undisturbed on a stick or sleeve.
Host Plant (c) Alicia Ballard, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Predator (c) Fyn Kynd, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Chelsea Carroll, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Found in Collections
Species set
Moonlight Marvels
Large Tolype Moth is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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