tussock moth

American  

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.

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tussock moth British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of tussock moth

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

These critters will disappear as the weather gets colder, as white hickory tussock moth caterpillars spend the winter in cocoons, according to the University of Wisconsin.

From Fox News • Nov. 1, 2018

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.

From Fox News • Nov. 1, 2018

The tussock moth caterpillar comes in array of brilliant colors.

From National Geographic • Jul. 18, 2015

The tussock moth caterpillar comes in array of brilliant colors.

From National Geographic • Jul. 18, 2015

An investigation showed the can to be partly filled with caterpillars of the tussock moth.

From More Toasts by Mosher, Marion Dix