Wild Facts About The Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillar

The Banded Tussock Moth (Halysidota tessellaris) is an insect found from the northeastern United States south into central Florida. Also called the Pale Tiger Moth, the adults are coppery brown and have jagged, black-edged tan bands on their wings.

The caterpillars, which are the larval form of this species, vary in color.

They can be pale gray or dingy cream. A thin brown stripe runs lengthwise down their bodies, and their bodies are covered in thick, short setae (body hairs). Several long tufts of setae project from the front and back of their bodies.

Near the head, Banded Tussock Moth caterpillars have four tufts each of white and black setae. Two white tufts project out to the side of the caterpillars; the other two curve forward towards the head. Two black tufts poke up and out from their bodies but the remaining two drape in front of the head.

Extra long tufts of black setae also grow from the caterpillars’ eighth abdominal segment.

Banded Tussock Moth caterpillars feed on the leaves of many different trees, including birch, walnut, chestnut, elm, oak, and hickory. They are easy to spot in the wild. Unlike some caterpillars, they rest in plain sight, often near the leaves upon which they feed, which implies that insectivorous predators like birds and lizards may avoid them (Wagner 2005).

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Christine is the creator and author of NowIWonder.com, a website dedicated to the animals and plants that share our world, and the science that helps us understand them. Inspired by lifelong exploration and learning, Christine loves to share her knowledge with others who want to connect with wild faces and wild spaces.

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