Family overview
Recently expanded family including tiger moths (bold warning patterns) and tussock moths (hairy caterpillars). Many produce ultrasonic clicks to jam bat sonar.
Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) is a major forest defoliator. Folk weather lore claims woolly bear bands predict winter severity.
At a glance
Family facts.
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Terrestrial
Approx. species
24,500
Notable members
Woolly bears (Isabella tiger moth larvae), gypsy moth, Hickory tussock moth, garden tiger moth