Butterflies, Moths, Dragonflies & Damselflies of Dayton, Ohio

TUSSOCK MOTHS

This is a flightless female White-marked Tussock. The females of some moth species do not fly. They simply wait for a male to find them. The white foam below the moth is her egg mass. Photographed June 30, 2017, at Siebenthaler Fen. 

Definite Tussock moth. This species is less common than the White-marked Tussock (below). Notice the black vertical streaks in the subterminal area (near the bottom of the wings). I have found a few Definite Tussock moths from June through October. 

White-marked Tussock. This is a very common species. I have found White-marked Tussocks every month from May through November. 

Here is an example of one lacking the white dots. 

Another White-marked Tussock. The colors are variable with this species, but the white dots at the bottom of the wings are a fairly consistent feature in most individuals. 

Close-up of another White-marked Tussock moth at my UV lights.