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
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Caterpillar damage: Orange tortrix, tussock moth, fruit tree leafroller, tent caterpillar and omnivorous looper feed on rose leaves.
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Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
There are three species of tussock moth caterpillars found in Florida.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024
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
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Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
There are three species of tussock moth caterpillars found in Florida.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024
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
Cite this Entry
“Tussock moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tussock%20moth. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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