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List of moths of Canada (Lymantriidae) facts for kids

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Moths are fascinating insects, and Canada is home to many different kinds! This article is a list of moths belonging to a special group called Lymantriinae, also known as Tussock Moths. These moths are found all across Canada, from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic, and even in the far north. This list helps you learn about each species and is part of a bigger collection of all the moths found in Canada.

When you see a moth's name below, you'll also see some letters next to it. These letters are short forms for the Canadian provinces or territories where that specific moth species has been found. It's like a secret code telling you where they live!

Where Moths Live in Canada

To help you understand where each moth lives, here are the abbreviations for Canada's provinces and territories:

Western Canada

Eastern Canada

Meet the Tussock Moths of Canada

Here are some of the interesting Tussock Moths you might find in Canada. Each one has its own unique features!

Brown-tail Moth

  • Euproctis chrysorrhoea (Linnaeus, 1758)

This moth is found in parts of eastern Canada, specifically in Quebec and Nova Scotia. It's known for its white wings and a distinctive tuft of brown hairs at the end of its body.

Gold-tail Moth

  • Euproctis similis (Fuessly, 1775)

The Gold-tail Moth has been spotted in Ontario. Like its cousin, the Brown-tail Moth, it has white wings but often features a more noticeable golden-brown tuft at its tail.

White Satin Moth

This beautiful moth is quite widespread across Canada. You can find it from British Columbia all the way to Newfoundland. It gets its name from its pure white, satiny wings. Its caterpillars often feed on willow and poplar trees.

Gypsy Moth

The Gypsy Moth is found in British Columbia and across many eastern provinces. This moth is well-known because its caterpillars can sometimes cause damage to trees by eating their leaves. Scientists are always working to manage their populations.

Dasychira Moths

The Dasychira group includes several species of Tussock Moths, each with slightly different markings and habitats.

Pale-winged Tussock Moth

This species is found in Ontario. It's one of the many types of Tussock Moths that blend in well with tree bark.

Dark-spotted Tussock Moth

  • Dasychira dorsipennata (Barnes & McDunnough, 1919)

You can find this moth in the central and eastern parts of Canada, from Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia. Its wings have darker spots that help it camouflage.

Grizzled Tussock Moth

This moth lives in western Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Its name "grizzled" might come from the mixed grey and brown colors on its wings.

Oblique-lined Tussock Moth

  • Dasychira obliquata (Grote & Robinson, 1866)

Found in Ontario and Quebec, this moth has subtle lines on its wings that appear to be at an angle.

Pine Tussock Moth

  • Dasychira pinicola (Dyar, 1911)

As its name suggests, this moth is often associated with pine trees. It lives in Ontario.

Streaked Tussock Moth

  • Dasychira plagiata (Walker, 1865)

This is a very common and widespread Dasychira moth, found across almost all of Canada, from British Columbia to Newfoundland. Its wings have distinct streaks.

Wandering Tussock Moth

  • Dasychira vagans (Barnes & McDunnough, 1913)

Another widespread species, the Wandering Tussock Moth is found in many provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, and across to Newfoundland.

Arctic Moths

These moths are special because they can survive in very cold, northern environments.

Greenland Tussock Moth

This hardy moth lives in Canada's far north, in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. It's adapted to cold climates.

Ross's Tussock Moth

  • Gynaephora rossii Curtis, 1835

Also an arctic specialist, Ross's Tussock Moth is found in Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec, and Newfoundland. It's amazing how these moths thrive in such chilly places!

Orgyia Moths

The Orgyia moths are often called "Tussock Moths" because their caterpillars have distinctive tufts of hair.

Rusty Tussock Moth

This is one of the most common and easily recognized Tussock Moths. It's found almost everywhere in Canada, from British Columbia to Newfoundland. The males have rusty-brown wings, while the females are wingless and stay near their cocoons.

Definite Tussock Moth

This moth is found in Ontario and Quebec. Its name "definite" might refer to clear markings on its wings.

White-marked Tussock Moth

  • Orgyia leucostigma (Smith, 1797)

Another very common species, the White-marked Tussock Moth is found from Alberta across to Newfoundland. Its caterpillars are often seen on trees and have bright colors and tufts of hair.

Douglas-fir Tussock Moth

This moth is found in British Columbia. Its caterpillars are known to feed on Douglas-fir trees, which is how it gets its name.

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