Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1209253

Banded Tussock Moth or Pale Tiger Moth
Halysidota tessellaris

Observation date: June 10, 2019
Date notes: I have been finding these caterpillars in my house. One 6/10/2019 and the second 6/11/2019. I’ve never seen them before yesterday. I have three young children, are these dangerous and why are they coming inside my home? Is it because of the extreme heat outside and it’s cool inside?
Submitted by: Jhebert85
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Found dormant sitting on a Lysol spray can in my living room near the air conditioner. Extremely hot outside so assuming it was looking for somewhere cool?
Status: Resident
Verified by: stomlins701
Verified date: February 06, 2020
Coordinator notes: None.
Checklist region(s): United States, Louisiana, Calcasieu Parish