Western Tussock Moth (Orgyia vetusta)
The western tussock moth is a member of the family of Erebidae moths. French lepidopterist Jean Baptiste Alphonse Déchauffour de Boisduval first described this species in 1852. Its species name was Hemerocampa vetusta, changed to Orgyia vetusta.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Erebidae
- Genus: Orgyia
- Scientific Name: Orgyia vetusta
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
Initially, after hatching, the larvae appear black with long bristles. However, once they mature, they develop red and yellow spots, and the hairs get reduced to four median gray-haired tufts. They are 25 – 50 mm long.
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Pupa
After maturing, the larvae begin to pupate in a cocoon made of discarded larval hairs.
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Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present.
The females are completely flightless as their wings are too short to allow for flight.
Color and Appearance
Forewing: When opened, the wings are dark, outlined in gray, with two irregular dark markings intersecting at 1/3rd and 2/3rd of their length. When closed, they form a roughly triangular outline.
Hindwing: When opened, the wings are brown. When closed, they are barely seen.
Average wingspan: 25-38 mm
Flight pattern: Erratic, dependent on the location of females.
Season: April through July
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Egg
Females lay 125-300 eggs in a single egg mass, usually on their old pupal cases.
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Quick Facts
| Distribution | The western part of North America, including the Pacific States and British Columbia; also, states like Louisiana and Idaho |
| Habitat | Parks and walking trails |
| Lifespan of Adults | Around 3 months |
| Host Plants | Apple, apricot, ceanothus, cherry, citrus, oak, pistachio, plum, prune trees, and willow |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- The caterpillars sometimes balloon themselves with the help of a silk thread from one location to another.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Erebidae
- Genus: Orgyia
- Scientific Name: Orgyia vetusta
