Halysidota harrisii

Description

Halysidota harrisii, the sycamore tussock moth, is a species of moth of the family Erebidae. It is found in southeastern Canada, the eastern parts of the United States (but not Florida) and northeastern Mexico. The wingspan is about 50 mm. The moth flies from May to June and from July to August depending on the location. The larvae feed on the American sycamore tree (Platanus occidentalis). An overpopulation of the insect can be damaging to sycamore trees. The ideal way to manage the moth and caterpillar populations is to foster a healthy bird population. The sycamore tussock moth caterpillar has been documented causing urticaria (hives).