Lophocampa

Harris, 1841

Species Guides

12

Lophocampa is a of arctiine tussock moths in the Erebidae, erected by Thaddeus William Harris in 1841. The genus contains approximately 75 distributed primarily in North America. Larvae are commonly known as tussock moths and typically exhibit gregarious , forming aggregated colonies on trees. Several species are notable for their distinctive larval coloration with tufts of hair-like setae.

Lophocampa caryae by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Lophocampa caryae by (c) Patrick Hanly, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Patrick Hanly. Used under a CC-BY license.Lophocampa argentata by (c) Justin Paulin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Paulin. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lophocampa: /ˌlɒfəˈkæmpə/

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Identification

Lophocampa can be recognized by their tussock characteristics: larvae possess dense tufts of hair-like setae (tussocks) arranged in distinct patterns, often with contrasting colors. typically show muted coloration with spotted or streaked forewings. The is distinguished from related tussock moth genera by specific arrangements of larval setae and adult wing venation patterns, though species-level identification often requires examination of genitalia.

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Habitat

Forest , particularly coniferous and mixed forests. Larval colonies have been documented in old-growth Douglas-fir and Western Hemlock forest , specifically on south and east aspects of tree crowns receiving higher solar radiation. No colonies found below 25m height in studied .

Distribution

North America; records from Vermont, across the United States, and into Mexico. Specific documented locations include Cascade Mountains in Washington State, Colorado Springs area in Colorado, and southwestern U.S. regions.

Life Cycle

Larvae form aggregated colonies; colony size averages 43 larvae (range 1-190). Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Specific developmental timing varies by and latitude.

Behavior

Larvae exhibit gregarious , forming aggregated colonies on trees. Colony placement is strongly associated with solar radiation exposure, with south and east crown aspects preferred.

Similar Taxa

  • HalysidotaBoth are of tussock moths in the Arctiinae with similar larval ; Halysidota often have more uniformly colored larvae and different wing patterns.
  • OrgyiaAnother tussock with hairy larvae; Orgyia typically have more prominent and tussocks and different plant associations.

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