Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Found in gardens, forests, and suburban areas, often seen on host trees and shrubs or climbing on fences and walls.

Broad-leaved trees and shrubs including fruit trees like apples, pears, and cherries, as well as oaks and willows.

The caterpillars are active during the day. They are known for their distinctive hair tufts (tussocks). In some species within this genus, adult females are flightless and stay on their cocoons to lay eggs.

Risks: The hairs of these caterpillars can cause skin irritation or 'urticaria' in humans. They can also act as garden pests by defoliating ornamental and fruit trees. Benefits: They serve as a food source for birds and parasitic wasps.