Dasychira vagans

(Barnes & McDunnough, 1913)

Variable Tussock Moth

Dasychira vagans is a in the Erebidae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1913. The exhibits notable in length, with males measuring 14–18 mm and females 22–24 mm. are active from June to August with a single per year. The feed on a broad range of across multiple families, with a documented preference for Quercus (oak) species. Two are recognized: D. v. vagans in eastern North America and D. v. grisea ranging from southern Manitoba to the Pacific Northwest.

Dasychira vagans by no rights reserved, uploaded by kcthetc1. Used under a CC0 license.Dasychira vagans by (c) Bea Leiderman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bea Leiderman. Used under a CC-BY license.Dasychira vagans by (c) Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dasychira vagans: //ˌdæ.sɪˈkaɪ.rə ˈveɪ.ɡənz//

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Identification

Males have 14–18 mm long; females 22–24 mm. The can be distinguished from similar Dasychira by the combination of its North distribution, activity period (June–August), and larval preferences. The two differ geographically: D. v. vagans occurs in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, while D. v. grisea ranges from southern Manitoba through South Dakota to British Columbia and Oregon.

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Habitat

Forests including coastal rainforests, high elevation mixed hardwood-conifer forests, oak woodlands, and mixed hardwood forests.

Distribution

North America, from Newfoundland to southern British Columbia in the north, and south to North Carolina and Utah.

Seasonality

on from June to August; one per year.

Diet

feed on plants in Aceraceae, Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Salicaceae, and Rosaceae; favors Quercus .

Similar Taxa

  • Dasychira basiflavaSimilar appearance and overlapping range in North America; distinguished by pattern and .
  • Dasychira plagiataOverlapping distribution and shared ; requires examination of for definitive identification.

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