The Hickory Tussock Moth's caterpillar is one of the most recognizable of eastern forests: a fuzzy black-and-white caterpillar with pencil-like tufts of black hair at each end and a row of white tufts along the sides. The hairs can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. The adult moth is creamy white with brown spots and is attracted to lights.
Best time to see a Hickory Tussock Moth
The best time to see a Hickory Tussock Moth is July–September, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 32,869 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Hickory Tussock Moth? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Hickory Tussock Moth sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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