Non-avian specimen; White-marked Tussock Moth (Caterpillar larva)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Arthropoda, Class: Insecta, Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Erebidae, Genus: Orgyia, Species: O. leucostigma
Family: Not applicable (Insect specimen; Family Erebidae)
- Shape
- Linear, hair-like bristles (setae) with dense dorsal tusks/brushes
- Size
- Specimen is approximately 25-35 mm in length
- Rarity
- Very Common
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Description
This is not a bird feather but the larval stage of the White-marked Tussock Moth. It features a striking red head, four tan-to-yellow dorsal tufts resembling a toothbrush, and long black hair 'pencils' protruding from the front and rear.
Colour & Pattern
Bright red head, yellow/white dorsal tufts, black dorsal stripe, and long black hair pencils
Barb Structure
Branched setae; defensive hairs containing irritating compounds
Texture & Surface
Bristly, fuzzy, and irritating to human skin (urticating)
Key Features
Four dense dorsal tufts, red head, two long black hair pencils at the front, one at the rear
Habitat
Deciduous and coniferous forests, suburban gardens, and parks
Geographic Range
Eastern North America, from Texas and Florida north to southern Canada
Ecological Role
Generalist herbivore; serves as a food source for certain cuckoos and parasitoid wasps
Similar Species
Rusty Tussock Moth (Orgyia antiqua)
Interesting Facts
The hairs contain toxins that cause skin irritation or 'tussockosis' in humans; females of this species are wingless.
Condition Notes
Live specimen in active larval instar stage