White-marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Natural Habitat

Deciduous and coniferous forests, suburban gardens, and parks throughout North America.

Diet & Feeding

A generalist feeder that eats the leaves of over 140 types of trees and shrubs, including oak, maple, birch, apple, and various evergreens.

Behavior Patterns

Active during the day; the larvae are known for their distinctive appearance with four yellow 'tussocks' of hair, a red head, and long black hair pencils. They undergo pupation in a cocoon made of silk and their own larval hairs.

Risks & Benefits

The larval hairs can cause skin irritation or 'tussockosis' (hives and rashes) in sensitive individuals; avoid touching them. They are considered minor pests of shade trees but also serve as a food source for birds and parasitic wasps.

Identified on: 4/4/2026