#lasiocampidae

[herpsandbirds]

Rose Myrtle Lappet Moth (Trabala vishnou), family Lasiocampidae, Johor, Malaysia

photograph by Varun Thangamani

[mothclock]

Trabala pallida

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

Large Tolype Moths: these moths have only vestigial mouthparts, meaning that they can't feed after reaching adulthood, and their entire adult lives are devoted solely to the search for a mate

The adults of this species (Tolype velleda) are covered in fluffy white bristles that look like fur, and they have characteristic "mohawks" made of tightly-curled, metallic scales that are clumped together along the back of the thorax.

Above: close-up of the "mohawk" on the moth's thorax

The color, texture, and iridescent sheen of these scales can often make it look like the moth has a patch of steel wool on its back.

Above: a dorsal view of the large tolype moth

It also looks like a tiny flying bison (like Appa!).

Above: Tolype velleda

Like most lappet moths, this species is incapable of feeding once it reaches adulthood; it simply obtains its fill of nutrients as a caterpillar. When the adult moth emerges from its pupa, it has only vestigial mouthparts and an incomplete digestive tract.

Since it no longer needs to feed itself, the adult moth is instead completely focused on finding a mate and producing offspring. It devotes the rest of its life (which is admittedly brief) to that singular purpose.

Above: a large tolype moth doing a little dance

There are many other moths that are unable to feed after reaching adulthood, but that characteristic is especially common among moths of the Lasiocampidae family.

Above: large tolype moths

Tolype velleda can be found in various parts of the eastern United States and Canada, with its range extending from Nova Scotia down to Florida.

Sources & More Info:

Butterflies and Moths of North America: Tolype velleda

Fontenelle Forest Nature Search: Large Tolype Moth

Moth Identification: Tolype Moth

Bug Guide: Tolype velleda

Moths and Butterflies of the United States, East of the Rocky Mountains: Tolype velleda

[onenicebugperday]

Lappet moth caterpillar, Trabala sp., Lasiocampidae

Photographed in Malaysia by Frank Deschandol // Instagram

Shared with permission; do not remove credit or re-post!

[lupineshieldmaiden]

lasiocampidae pngs✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚

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[bugtoucher420]

geen

[eyed-hawkmoth]

drinker moth (euthrix potatoria), caterpillar

[razehider]

as a chronic digital hoarder, i feel compelled to save outtakes when they're funny. this lackey (Malacosoma neustria) was probably just beginning to turn around or something like that, but now these photos look like before and after someone asked it if it wanted walkies

(May 15th, 2025)