Tussock Moths

(Orgyidae, or Lymantriidae), a family of insects of the order Lepidoptera. The wingspan is usually 30-70 mm. The moths have rudimentary mouth organs. (Most of them do not feed.) The caterpillars are polyphagous and have a thick, hairy covering. They feed on leaves, primarily of trees. The pupae have hairy bundles on their backs. Pupation occurs in cocoons. Tussock moths hibernate at various stages, most often as caterpillars. There are about 4,000 species, found all over the world and- in particular abundance in the tropical rain forests of Asia and Africa. In the USSR there are 62 species, which are found primarily in the subtropical forests, but isolated species are found in the steppes, deserts, and tundra. Many members of the Lymantriidae family are harmful to forestry and horticulture. Especially harmful are the gypsy moth, nun moth, and brown-tail moth.