The Milkweed Tussock Moth caterpillar is strikingly patterned in alternating black, white, and orange tufts that warn predators of the cardiac glycosides accumulated from milkweed foliage. Young caterpillars feed gregarious in large clusters before dispersing. The adult moth is plain gray with an orange abdomen spotted in black.
Best time to see a Milkweed Tussock Moth
The best time to see a Milkweed Tussock Moth is July–August, when about 76% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 30,529 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Milkweed Tussock Moth? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Milkweed Tussock Moth sightings near you
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