One day, while bringing plants into our greenhouse here at the main site, we saw an unusual sight. What was this unusual sight? A caterpillar, which will turn into a White-Marked Tussock Moth, to be exact!
Orgyia leucostigma is native species to Ontario and it even ranges west to Alberta, east to New Brunswick, and as far north as northern Saskatchewan!
The moth is a fluffy grey speckled thing, but the caterpillar is a sight to behold with a bright red head, giant antenna, and fluffy white patches along its back. Touch them only with your eyes though, as their funny white hairs can cause allergic reactions in humans! These caterpillars feed on most trees, including maple and oak. Since we don’t have any of those trees available in the greenhouse, this caterpillar was successfully relocated to one of our many available trees. As a native species, this caterpillar fills its “Ecological Niche”; or its role in our ecosystem, meaning it won’t harm the trees it eats (unlike the invasive gypsy moths!).
Watch for these creatures in a tree near you!
Micheal Scrimshaw
Eco-Gardener
Summer Camp Staff 2023
