Locust Borer vs Indian Tussock Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Locust Borer Indian Tussock Moth
Scientific Name Megacyllene robiniae Euproctis lunata
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Cerambycidae Erebidae
Size 14-22 mm 25-35 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Pollen Feeders Herbivores
Regions Eastern and Central North America South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Locust Borer

A striking yellow-and-black wasp mimic that attacks black locust trees in North America. Adults appear in autumn and are commonly found on goldenrod flowers. Larval boring weakens locust trunks and can cause breakage.

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Did You Know?

Adults synchronize their emergence with goldenrod bloom, making autumn fields their primary mating arenas.

Indian Tussock Moth

A yellow-brown moth with a distinctive dark crescent marking on the forewings. Its brightly colored, hairy caterpillars are covered in urticating hairs that cause severe skin rashes on contact.

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Did You Know?

The urticating hairs of the caterpillar can cause painful welts and dermatitis lasting several days in people who handle them.