brown-tail moth

The brown-tail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) is a European tussock moth that has been introduced to the U.S.. Its larvae feed on foliage and possess hairs that can irritate human skin. Tussock moths, in general, are known for their hairy larvae, which often have stinging hairs. These larvae typically feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs, sometimes from silken nests. The adult moths are medium-sized, with females typically ranging in color from white to brown. Some species, like the white-marked tussock moth, have females that are wingless. The larvae of certain tussock moth species overwinter in their nests, while others overwinter as eggs. Pupation occurs above ground in cocoons attached to tree branches, trunks, or in leaf litter.12