Some are more brown than others, but all Yellow-based Tussock Moths are partial to oak trees.
As its name suggests, the areas near the body of the Yellow-based Tussock Moth are a shade of yellow. The overall color of the adult is brown. Variation between individuals exists so some may be a dark gray-brown with black markings while others are light brown. All have two thin black lines that cross the forewings. Some individuals have white spots between these black lines. Legs are hairy and antennae are comb-like.
Caterpillars feed on oak leaves. They also eat dogwood and blueberry leaves. Two broods are possible in the warmest part of its range, but one is more common. The Yellow-based Tussock Moth is at home in deciduous woodlands on the eastern half of the continent.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Erebidae
Genus:Dasychira
Species:basiflava
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Dasychira basiflava
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 30mm to 54mm (1.17in to 2.11in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: brown, yellow, tan, black
