Tussock Moth Caterpillar
Scientific Name: Orgyia leucostigma (approximate)
Order & Family: Lepidoptera: Erebidae
Size: 1 to 1.5 inches (25 to 38 mm)
Natural Habitat
Deciduous forests, parks, and suburban gardens throughout North America.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist feeder; consumes leaves of various trees including oak, cherry, birch, and apple.
Behavior Patterns
Loses defensive hairs when threatened. They undergo multiple molts before spinning a cocoon to pupate.
Risks & Benefits
The hairs can cause contact dermatitis or skin irritation in humans; they are considered a minor forest pest.
Identified on: 3/27/2026