Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Description:

Lophocampa caryae, the Hickory Tussock Moth or Hickory Halisidota, is a moth in the family Arctiidae. Like most species in its family, the caterpillars acquire chemical defenses from their host plants (Weller et al. 1999). The behaviour and aposematic coloration of the larvae (caterpillars) also suggests chemical protection in this stage, although they have not been analyzed for alkaloid or cardenolide content. Formerly placed in the genus Halysidota. Caterpillars are covered all over in long hairlike setae, in spreading tufts. Most are white, but there are black tufts along the middle of the back, and four long black hair pencils (two near the front, and two near the back). These hairs cause itchy rashes in some people (Wagner, 2005). There are black spots along the sides, and the head capsule is black. Mature caterpillars are found from July to September (Wagner 2005). Caterpillars feed in groups of 100 or so in the early instars (Wagner 2005), skeletonizing the leaves. They become solitary later. Grows to a length of 4.5 cm. The cocoon is loose and has 'hairs' woven into it, and overwinters in the leaf litter (Wagner 2005). Fore-wings are yellowish-brown, marked with white splotches in a kind of stained glass effect. The hindwings are mostly white. The body is 'hairy' and pale brown. Moths fly in May and June (Rose and Lindquist, 1982). Primarily feeds on hickory, pecan and walnuts, but will also eat ash, elm, oak, willow, and many others (Wagner, 2005). Occasionally causes local defoliation of nut trees, but high densities do not last long enough to cause a lot of damage (Rose and Lindquist 1982)

Habitat:

Primarily feeds on hickory, pecan and walnuts, but will also eat ash, elm, oak, willow, and many others (Wagner, 2005). Occasionally causes local defoliation of nut trees, but high densities do not last long enough to cause a lot of damage (Rose and Lindquist 1982)

Notes:

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lophocampa_...