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What is that Fuzzy Caterpillar Falling from My Oak Tree?

Tussock moth caterpillar (Orgyia spp.)
Fuzzy caterpillar with red head
Tussock moth caterpillar (Orgyia spp.). Photo credit: Julie Schelb.
Why the oak trees?
Light or yellow color fuzzy caterpillar
Tussock moth caterpillar (Orgyia spp.). Photo credit: Julie Schelb.

Over the last couple of weeks, if you have oak trees, you have probably seen tussock moth caterpillars (Orgyia spp.). They crawl all over anything underneath the trees. Oak trees are a host plant for the tussock moth caterpillar. Usually the caterpillars do not have much effect on the oak trees. Most commonly in Florida, you will find either the fir tussock moth (Orgyia detrita) or the whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma).

 

Cocoons, caterpillars, and safety
White cocoons in ball moss on bark of oak tree.
Cocoon of tussock moth in ball moss on oak tree. Photo credit: Julie Schelb.

In addition to the caterpillars crawling all over, you may also notice their cocoons in trees (sometimes attached to ball moss) or on the sides of buildings. The Florida Museum of Natural History has more information on the difference between a cocoon and a chrysalis. If you see the caterpillars or their cocoons, avoid touching them as they may cause skin irritation or itching. Levels of sensitivity may vary from person to person.

 

 

Leave them alone, but if you must…
Fuzzy caterpillars and cocoons on house siding.
Tussock moth caterpillar and cocoons on house siding. Photo credit: Joanne Gilmore.

If you feel like you must remove the cocoons, use a broom to sweep them into a pail of soapy water. Otherwise, just avoid contact and watch out for the caterpillars! The larvae and caterpillars of tussock moths have plenty of natural enemies, including beetles, birds, wasp parasitoids, and pathogens. No need to add your name to that list! For more information on the tussock moth caterpillar, check out UF Featured Creatures.

 

 

References:

Hall, Donald H. and Lyle Buss. Tussock Moths-Orygia spp. EENY-588. Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida. http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/URBAN/MEDICAL/tussock_moths.htm.

Folt, John L., Tussock Moth Caterpillars in Northcentral Florida. Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida/IFAS. https://ipm.ifas.ufl.edu/community/Tussock_Moth_Caterpillars_in_Northcentral_Florida.shtml.

 

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Headshot of Julie Schelb, Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Coordinator with UF/IFAS Extension Polk County.
Posted: March 25, 2020


Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
Tags: Caterpillar, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Insects, Jschelb, Master Gardener Volunteer, Oak Tree, Polkgardening, Tussock Moth Caterpillar


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