Tussock moth, (family Lymantriidae), any of a group of moths (order Lepidoptera), the common name for which is derived from the hair tufts, or tussocks, found on most larval forms. ... Fir tussock moth caterpillar (Orgyia detrita) exhibiting pose typical of nuclear polyhedrosis virus (Baculovirus) ... Control of the caterpillars is difficult because by the time they are migrating from the trees, it is too late. Lophocampa caryae, the hickory tiger moth, hickory tussock moth, or hickory halisidota, is a moth in the family Erebidae and the tribe Arctiini, the tiger moths.The species is widely distributed in the eastern half of North America. The Live Oak Tussock Moth (Orgyia detrita) is a moth species with life cycle coinciding with Coastal Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) leaf emergence in the spring.The moth favors Coastal Live Oak trees as a host plant, and emerging caterpillars may completely defoliate the tree. Tussock moth IPM program The Douglas fir tussock moth caterpillar is up to 1 1/4 inches long with dark pencils that look like horns directly behind the head. This looks like a hickory tussock moth caterpillar, Lophocampa caryae (Lepidoptera: Erebidae). Tussock Moth caterpillars (from the family Lymantriidae) are voracious eaters capable of defoliating entire forests. Hickory Tussock caterpillar (the hairs on many tussock caterpillars can cause an itchy rash like the one shown at left) Note: The Brown-tail moth (Maine Forest Service) is also a member of the Tussock group. The White-marked Tussock Moth caterpillar is covered with them and the chemicals that are transferred onto skin when they are touched can cause an allergic reaction in humans resulting in redness, irritation, and welts. In August 2011 a warning began circulating online, decrying an insect known as the White Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar, which is native in Canada from Nova Scotia to Ontario and in … Tussock moth, (family Lymantriidae), any of a group of moths (order Lepidoptera), the common name for which is derived from the hair tufts, or tussocks, found on most larval forms. Spraying against tussock moths works, but it’s hard to know if and when to start. MMWR. Caterpillar-associated rashes in children — Hillsborough County, Florida 2011. Like most species in its family, the caterpillars acquire chemical defenses from their host plants, so they are potentially toxic or unpalatable, but this species is also venomous. Hamilton, Ontario. Tussock Moth Control Tussock moth control is an important component of any property owner in urban Colorado. Spraying against tussock moths works, but it’s hard to know if and when to start. Mature Caterpillar: Fully-grown larvae are 1 to 1.5 inches long. 2012 Mar 30;61(12);209-11. The recent Douglas-fir tussock moth outbreak in Methow Valley forests did less damage than expected, according to Forest Service entomologist Connie Mehmel. The best-known member of this family is the beautiful but highly detrimental Gypsy Moth which is not native to North America. Browntail Moth (nest of caterpillars) Browntail Moth (caterpillar stage) Home and Garden IPM from Cooperative Extension. Spring arrived early this year and so did many of our insect problems. We thank MBG Marketing and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station for support of our tussock moth research. While my boyfriend and I were at his mom's house (in Hillsboro, GA) this past weekend, I was playing outside with his daughter and we found a very fuzzy, strange looking caterpillar on her playground. The Tussock moth caterpillar (Orgyia psuedotsugata) eat the needles of spruce, Douglas fir, and true fir trees.