Hickory Tussock Moth

Lophocampa caryae

June 1, 2010

While the name "Tussock Moth" would suggest this species is of the Lymantriidae (Tussock Moth) family, it is actually a Tiger Moth, or Arctiidae.  It is named for the fluffy, tufted caterpillar, that feeds on the leaves of a variety of hardwoods, hickory included.

According to David Wagner's "Caterpillars of Eastern NA", the early instar communal caterpillars skeletonize the leaves upon which they feed.  Is it a coincidence that the pattern on the adults' wings suggest a skeletonized leaf?