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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) » Owlet Moths and kin (Noctuoidea) » Erebidae » Tussock Moths (Lymantriinae) » Orgyiini » Orgyia » Fir Tussock Moth - Hodges#8313 (Orgyia detrita)
Photo#47390
Rusty Tussock Moth? - Orgyia detrita
Copyright © 2006 Sharon

Rusty Tussock Moth? - Orgyia detrita
Tavares, Lake County, Florida, USA
April 10, 2006
Another from the boardwalk.
Rusty Tussock?
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Contributed by Sharon on 10 April, 2006 - 5:52pm
Last updated 11 April, 2006 - 5:24pm

We're thinking
Orgyia detrita - Whitemarked Tussock Moth, described with O. leucostigma in Wagner page 450. See
… john and jane balaban, 10 April, 2006 - 9:35pm login or register to post comments

 
Poisonous
Is this caterpillar poisonous ?
… F, 16 April, 2007 - 9:07am login or register to post comments

 
Not sure
One reference cited in Chris Wirth's article on this site (see article) claims that three spp. of tussock moth have stinging hairs, but doesn't say which ones (except that Orgyia leucostigma is one of them). Regardless, people with sensitive skin might find contact with any hairy caterpillar somewhat irritating so the best advice is not to handle them.
… Hannah Nendick-Mason, 16 April, 2007 - 9:20am login or register to post comments

 
whitemarked tussock moth
Yes, that does look more like it.
I think we have an exact match!
Thanks!
… Sharon, 11 April, 2006 - 8:11am login or register to post comments

 
Fir Tussock Moth or Live Oak Tussock Moth
are the common names most often used, I believe - White-marked Tussock Moth refers to O. leucostigma (a literal translation of the species name).
… Hannah Nendick-Mason, 3 May, 2006 - 2:41am login or register to post comments

Warning!
I read your bio, Sharon. Be on guard. Shooting flower blooms is how I got hooked on insect photography.
… Jim McClarin, 10 April, 2006 - 7:05pm login or register to post comments

 
Hooked
I think I am on my way... Even without looking it seems - those crazy lookin critters are everywhere!
… Sharon, 10 April, 2006 - 7:08pm login or register to post comments

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