Dasychira plagiata
(Walker, 1865)
Northern Pine Tussock, Northern Conifer Tussock, Northern Pine Tussock Moth
Dasychira plagiata is a in the Erebidae, described by Francis Walker in 1865. It occurs across northern North America, where feed on coniferous trees. are active during summer months. The is known by two reflecting its association with pine and other conifer .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dasychira plagiata: //ˌdæsɪˈkaɪrə pləˈdʒaɪətə//
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Identification
The can be distinguished from similar Dasychira species by its geographic distribution and associations. Definitive identification requires examination of or reference to regional . The 'northern pine tussock' distinguishes it from the more southerly distributed Dasychira meridionalis (southern ).
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Habitat
Coniferous forests, particularly those dominated by spruce, fir, hemlock, pine, and larch . Associated with and northern temperate forest .
Distribution
North America: Newfoundland and Labrador west to Alberta, south to Massachusetts, New York, and North Carolina. Records from Manitoba and Vermont confirm presence in central and northeastern regions.
Seasonality
on from June to August, with timing varying by location. Single per year inferred from period.
Diet
feed on coniferous trees: Picea glauca ( spruce), Picea mariana (black spruce), Picea rubens (red spruce), Abies balsamea (balsam fir), Abies fraseri (Fraser fir), Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock), and of Pinus and Larix.
Host Associations
- Picea glauca - larval spruce
- Picea mariana - larval black spruce
- Picea rubens - larval red spruce
- Abies balsamea - larval balsam fir
- Abies fraseri - larval Fraser fir
- Tsuga canadensis - larval eastern hemlock
- Pinus - larval pine
- Larix - larval larch
Life Cycle
with , larval, pupal, and stages. are , presumably with characteristic hair tufts typical of the group. likely occurs in ; adults emerge in summer.
Ecological Role
Larval on coniferous trees. and ecological impacts have not been extensively documented; not known as a major .
Human Relevance
Minor forest pest potential given coniferous range, though not documented as causing significant . May be encountered by foresters and naturalists in northern coniferous forests.
Similar Taxa
- Dasychira meridionalisSimilar (southern ) but occurs in more southern range; separation requires morphological examination
- Orgyia speciesOther in same tribe Orgyiini; distinguished by pattern and male structure
More Details
Taxonomic note
Originally described as Edema plagiata by Walker in 1865; later transferred to Dasychira. Basionym Edema plagiata Walker, 1865.
Collection records
972 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of source date, indicating moderate documentation of occurrence.