Tussock Moth Caterpillars
As my 4-year-old granddaughter said, "It's calepitter day!!" They were everywhere in Edenvale Garden Park: on the ground, on the wooden fences, the sidewalk, tree trunks, hanging from the trees, on picnic tables and benches.
I'm fascinated by the seemingly endless variety of colors and patterns shown by these Tussock Moth caterpillars. Here are my observations:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/truthseqr?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=orgyia&search_on=&quality_grade=any&reviewed=&geoprivacy=&identifications=any&captive=&iconic_taxa%5B%5D=Insecta&place_id=&swlat=&swlng=&nelat=&nelng=&taxon_name=&taxon_id=&day=&month=&year=&order_by=observations.id&order=desc&rank=&hrank=&lrank=&taxon_ids%5B%5D=&d1=&d2=&created_on=&site=&tdate=&list_id=&filters_open=true&view=map
Project:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/orgyia-tussock-moth-larvae-variability-in-ca
References:
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and … it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r606301211.html
"The full-grown western tussock moth larva is 1.5 to 2 inches in length, generally gray in color with numerous colored spots, four prominent white tufts of hair on its body, and two black tufts on its head and one on its posterior end."
Good photos:
http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/lepidopt/lymantriidae/OrgyiaVetusta.htm
Observations
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth (Orgyia) caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth (Orgyia) caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth (Orgyia) caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth (Orgyia) caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth (Orgyia) caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth (Orgyia) caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth (Orgyia) caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth (Orgyia) caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth (Orgyia) caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth (Orgyia) caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus OrgyiaObserver
truthseqrDescription
Tussock Moth (Orgyia) caterpillar under Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees.
Reference: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2015/04/15/probably-western-tussock-moth-caterpillar/
"There are several species of Tussock Moths in the genus Orgyia that are found in California, and we believe this is most likely the Caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth, Orgyia vetusta, but it may be impossible to determine the exact species with an image since all members of the genus have very similar looking caterpillars and there is also much variation within the species. See this BugGuide image for comparison: https://bugguide.net/node/view/555350/bgimage"
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