Lophocampa caryae

Harris, 1841

Hickory Tussock Moth, Hickory Halisidota, Hickory Tiger Moth

Lophocampa caryae is a tiger moth in the Erebidae, widely distributed across eastern North America. The has one per year, with flying in May and June. The caterpillar is covered in dense white and black hair tufts and can cause contact dermatitis in humans through its barbed setae. Despite anecdotal claims of venomous properties, no venom has been isolated; adverse reactions are characterized as irritant contact dermatitis.

Lophocampa caryae by (c) Patrick Hanly, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Patrick Hanly. Used under a CC-BY license.

Lophocampa caryae by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Lophocampa caryae (4671974519) by Cyndy Sims Parr. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lophocampa caryae: //ˌloʊfoʊˈkæmpə ˈkɛriˌeɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

distinguished by yellowish-brown forewings with distinctive white stained-glass patterning and mostly white hindwings. Larvae recognized by dense white hair tufts with contrasting black tufts and four prominent black hair pencils (two , two ). The black-spotted sides and black capsule further aid identification. Similar to other Lophocampa but association and geographic range help differentiate.

Images

Habitat

Associated with deciduous forests containing hickory, pecan, walnut, and related tree . Larvae feed on foliage of trees; pupae overwinter in leaf litter.

Distribution

Widely distributed in the eastern half of North America.

Seasonality

fly in May and June. Later-instar caterpillars observed between July and October. One per year.

Diet

Larvae primarily feed on hickory (Carya), pecan, and walnuts (Juglans). Also recorded feeding on ash, elm, oak, willow, and other plants.

Host Associations

Carya - primary hickory
Juglans - primary walnut
Fraxinus - secondary ash
Ulmus - secondary elm
Quercus - secondary oak
Salix - secondary willow

Life Cycle

One per year. hatch into larvae that feed gregariously in early instars, skeletonizing leaves in groups of approximately 100. Older larvae become solitary. Larvae pupate in loose cocoons woven with setae, which overwinter in leaf litter. emerge in spring.

Behavior

Early-instar larvae feed in groups of approximately 100 individuals, skeletonizing leaves. Older larvae are solitary. Larval setae are microscopically barbed and can detach easily.

Ecological Role

Herbivore that occasionally causes local defoliation of nut trees, though high densities typically do not persist long enough to cause significant damage. Serves as prey for various .

Human Relevance

Caterpillar setae cause itchy rashes (contact dermatitis) in many people, particularly those prone to allergies. Reactions may resemble urushiol exposure. Setae can rarely cause serious medical complications if transferred from hands to . Over 350 documented cases showed most were asymptomatic within 24 hours with no anaphylaxis. Despite claims of venom, no venom has been isolated; reactions are irritant contact dermatitis, not envenomation.

Similar Taxa

Lophocampa maculataSimilar spotted tussock moth appearance; distinguished by different associations and geographic overlap
Other Lophocampa speciesShare general tussock ; require examination of color pattern details and plants for separation

Misconceptions

Widely but incorrectly believed to be venomous. Despite anecdotal claims, no venom has been isolated or identified from this . Adverse reactions to larval setae are properly characterized as irritant contact dermatitis caused by mechanical irritation from barbed hairs, not envenomation.

More Details

Medical significance

Over 350 documented cases of human exposure exist in medical literature. Most cases resolve within 24 hours without serious complications. Rare complications involve exposure from hand transfer of setae.

Defensive adaptations

Aposematic coloration and suggest chemical protection in larvae, though alkaloid or other chemical analyses have not been performed. Related in Arctiinae acquire chemical defenses from plants.