White-marked tussock moth
Orgyia leucostigma, the white-marked tussock moth, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797. The caterpillar is very common especially in late summer in eastern North America, extending as far west as Texas, California, and Alberta.
The genus name Orgyia is from the ancient Greek word ὄργυια, órgyia - 'outstretched arms'. So named because, when at rest, the moth stretches forward its forelegs like arms.
The fungus Entomophaga maimaiga was introduced to North America to control the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar). The fungus also infects O. leucostigma and could possibly have an impact in years when E. maimaiga is abundant. Large larvae are mostly attacked by birds, and small larvae mostly disappear during dispersal.
Two or more generations occur per year in eastern North America. They overwinter in the egg stage.
