Insects and Spiders - native

Silver Spotted Tiger Moth (Lophocampa argentata) on Feb 27, 2025

Originally reported as Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar)

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

a web/nest of 50+ caterpillars that closely resemble pictures of spongy moth caterpillars found online

Commentary

Thank you for your report! Not Spongy moth, but a native species in the same family. This is Silver-spotted tiger moth, Lophocampa argentata. Sometimes the caterpillars can be very abundant, but they don't usually defoliate trees.

Tom Valente
Feb. 28, 2025, 6:13 a.m.

Location

green bushes outside of house at 156 N Shoneman Ave, Coos Bay

Expert Reviewer

Tom Valente
Oregon Department of Agriculture

© 2025 Portland State University | Contact us for questions regarding site content