Fauna
Insect

Cocoa Tussock Moth

Orgyia postica

Also known as Hevea Tussock Moth

Cocoa tussock moths display dramatic sexual dimorphism, with winged brown males flying actively while flightless, grub-like females remain perched atop their pupal cocoons to emit pheromones. Voracious caterpillars sport bright yellow dorsal hair brushes and stinging pencils of setae that deter most foliage-gleaning predators. Because the larvae feed on dozens of tropical trees, including rubber, tea, and cacao, population spikes can rapidly defoliate entire agroforestry plots.

NocturnalAgricultural PestDimorphic
Cocoa Tussock Moth reference1 / 7
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPolyphagous herbivore feeding on leaves of cacao, rubber, tea, mango, and diverse rainforest foliage
Predators
  • Parasitoid wasps
  • Shield bugs
  • Insectivorous birds
ThreatsParasitoid wasps, viral and fungal epizootics, and targeted pesticide applications
HabitatsTropical rainforests, agroforestry plantations, secondary growth, and disturbed lowlands
Life span1 to 2 months total (adults live only 3 to 7 days)
Classification
  1. OrderLepidoptera
  2. FamilyErebidae
  3. GenusOrgyia
  4. SpeciesOrgyia postica
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
Caterpillars possess urticating hairs that cause painful rash and swelling; do not touch bare-handed.
Why it is dangerous
Larval setae easily break off upon contact, releasing irritating histamines that cause acute dermatitis, stinging, redness, and itching.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for distinct dense yellow-white dorsal hair tufts, red head capsules, and elongated dark hair pencils extending front and rear.
What to do
Examine caterpillars from a safe distance without disturbing foliage; use adhesive tape to lift stray hairs from skin if accidentally brushed.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Look for fuzzy grey cocoons on the undersides of plantation leaves.
  • Safety: Never handle the bristly caterpillars directly, as broken spines trigger contact dermatitis.
Related species
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