What does a pale tussock turn into?

Caterpillar of the Pale Tussock Moth (Calliteara pudibunda) Pale Tussock (Calliteara pudibunda) fully grown caterpillar. Photo Steve Ogden. The caterpillars are between 40-45mm in length and feed on a wide variety of deciduous trees as well as many other plants such as bramble and hops.

How do you treat tussock moths?

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) controls tussock moth larvae, especially if applied when most larvae are young. Bacillus thuringiensis kills only caterpillars (butterfly and moth larvae) that feed on sprayed foliage.

What do pale tussocks eat?

The caterpillars feed on a range of tree leaves including elm, birch, hazel, lime and oak. And hops … which explains (a bit) its colloquial name of ‘hop dogs. ‘ Here on the meadow, it was probably chomping on my fruit tree leaves – also part of its diet.

How big is a pale tussock?

Wingspan 40-60 mm. Fairly common in England and Wales, local in Ireland, the adults are sexually dimorphic; the females are generally larger and plainer in appearance. The males have more contrasting markings and usually smaller.

How long do tussock moths live?

The hairy front legs are extended forward while the large bipectinate antennae are held back against the wings. Males rest during the day and fly about seeking females during the night. Although individuals live just a few days, the flight period lasts about 3 weeks.

How long do tussock caterpillars last?

When it comes to the tussock moth caterpillars, “it’s usually best to let them do their thing, and they’ll be gone in about four weeks or so.”

How long do tussock moth caterpillars live?

Do lizards eat tussock moth caterpillars?

As much as these tussock moth caterpillars can be a nuisance, experts, even those in the pest control business, say using chemicals to remove them isn’t really worth it. Birds and lizards will eat some of them, and others won’t make it to maturity because of fungi and bacteria, Stauderman said.