Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

White spotted tussock moth (male)

Orgyia thyellina Butler


Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lymantriidae

Size range

  • Medium–sized moth, wingspan of male 26 mm

Distribution

  • From northern Asia
  • Found in Auckland’s eastern suburbs in 1996
  • Apparently eradicated by spray programme at that time

Life History

  • Some females have vestigial wings and do not fly
  • Pest of many forest and horticultural trees. Caterpillars eat foliage

Additional images