Advice on Pale Tussock please

SusieBee · #1 (**permalink**) 03-10-2009, 03:28 AM

Delighted to find this caterpillar in my garden today, so pretty. Expected it to be butterfly but id it as Pale Tussock Moth Caterpillar (Calliteara pudibunda) Hope it is

If not sure someone will correct me.

I read that they eat trees, this ones on my young ornamental Cherry and I'm wondering if it could do any damage? Be grateful for any advice it's my first and only tree.
Cheers Susiebee

charlieb · #2 (**permalink**) 03-10-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SusieBee

Hope it is

Yup - I wouldn't worry about the tree, I suspect it's done all the damage it's going to and is looking for somewhere to pupate

SusieBee · #3 (**permalink**) 03-10-2009, 11:41 PM

Thanks for reply charlieb, I see 2 other threads with Pale Tussock Moth caterpillars today must be quite common? Iv'e never seen one before! Went out to get more pic's earlier and it's gone

Cheers SusieBee

charlieb · #4 (**permalink**) 04-10-2009, 03:29 PM

Yeah, it's that time of year when all the Pale Tussocks are looking for somewhere to pupate - normally they'd be hidden (and slightly better camouflaged!) amongst leafs in a tree.