Lophocampa caryae
| Lophocampa caryae | |
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| Species: | L. caryae
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| Binomial name | |
| Lophocampa caryae Harris, 1841
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Halysidota caryae | |
Lophocampa caryae, the hickory tussock moth or hickory halisidota, is a moth in the family Arctiidae, widely distributed in the eastern half of North America[1]. Like most species in its family, the caterpillars acquire chemical defenses from their host plants, so they are potentially toxic or unpalatable, though not venomous.[1] The behaviour and aposematic coloration of the larvae also suggests chemical protection in this stage, although they have not been analyzed for alkaloid or cardenolide content.
Life cycle
There is one generation per year.[2]
Larva
The larva, a caterpillar, is completely covered in long, hairlike setae arranged in spreading tufts. Most are white, but there are black tufts along the middle of the back, and four long black hair pencils, two near the front, and two near the back. These hairs cause itchy rashes (contact dermatitis) in many people, particularly those prone to allergies.[2] They are microscopically barbed and may cause serious medical complications if they are transferred from the hands to the eyes.[3] There are black spots along the sides, and the head capsule is black.
The later-instar caterpillars are seen between July to October.[2] They feed in groups of about 100 or so in the early instars,[2] skeletonizing leaves. Older larvae are solitary. They grow up to 4.5 centimeters long before pupating.[4]
Pupa
The cocoon is loose and has setae woven into it. It overwinters in the leaf litter.[2]
Adult
The adult moth flies in May and June. The forewings are yellowish-brown marked with white splotches, reminiscent of stained glass. The hindwings are mostly white. The body is hairy and pale brown.[5]
The moth primarily feeds on hickory, pecan and walnuts, but will also eat ash, elm, oak, willow, and other plants.[2] It occasionally causes local defoliation of nut trees, but high densities do not last long enough to cause significant damage.[5]
References
- ^ Weller, S. J., N. L. Jacobsen, and W. E. Conner. (1999). The evolution of chemical defenses and mating systems in tiger moths (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae). Biol J Linn Soc 68:557–578.
- ^ a b c d e f Wagner, D. L. Caterpillars of Eastern North America. Princeton University Press. 2005.
- ^ Common Caterpillars are Dangerous to Touch! Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
- ^ Lyon, W. F. Stinging Hair Caterpillars. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet.
- ^ a b Rose, A. H. and O. H. Lindquist. (1982). Insects of Eastern Hardwood Trees. Canadian Forestry service, Forestry Tech Rep 29. Government of Canada, Ottawa. ISBN 0-660-11205-1.