tussock moth

noun

: any of numerous dull-colored moths (family Lymantriidae) that usually have wingless females and larvae with long tufts of hair

Examples of tussock moth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The hickory tussock moth isn't actually poisonous. Miriam Fauzia, USA TODAY, 22 Oct. 2021 Milkweed tussock moth adults actually click back ultrasonically at a pursuing bat as a warning about their distaste, in case the bat already ate others and regretted it. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 21 July 2022 The white-marked tussock moth caterpillar can cause skin irritation if touched. Richard Tribou, orlandosentinel.com, 12 Apr. 2022 More trouble: tussock moth larvae and two other pests. Marguerite Holloway, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tussock moth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tussock moth was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near tussock moth

Cite this Entry

“Tussock moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tussock%20moth. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tussock moth

noun
: any of numerous dull-colored moths that usually have wingless females and larvae with long tufts of hair

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