tussock moth

noun

1. any of several moths of the family Lymantriidae, the larvae of which have characteristic tufts of hair on the body and feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees.

tussock moth

noun

1. any of various pale or dull-coloured moths of the family Lymantriidae (or Laparidae ), the hairy caterpillars of which are pests of many trees See also gipsy moth brown-tail moth goldtail moth

Word History and Origins

Origin of tussock moth¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Word History and Origins

Origin of tussock moth¹

C19: so named because of the tufts of hair on the caterpillars

Example Sentences

The creature — not to be confused with the white-marked tussock moth — has sharp barbs that stick to skin and typically result in a rash or irritation.

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Enlarged, the banded tussock moth takes on a reticulated wing pattern, and its thorax is graced with fine turquoise lines.

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The fuzzy green caterpillars, which turn into tussock moths in July, have caused trees near Colorado Springs, Boulder and Larkspur to wilt and turn brown.

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The white hickory tussock moth caterpillar is to blame.

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The tussock moth caterpillar comes in an array of brilliant colors.

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