Definite-marked Tussock Moth - Orgyia definita (Packard) Range and Hosts The species occurs throughout much of eastern United States. Caterpillars (Photo1) feed on several species of deciduous trees, including apple, ash, basswood, birch, boxelder, cherry, elm, maple, oak, and willow. Life Cycle, Description and Habits The definite-marked tussock is similar to the whitemarked in general form, appearance, and habit. The caterpillar (Photo1) possesses the typical long black pencils of hair at front and rear and characteristic tufts on abdominal segments 1-4. There are conspicuous black spots behind tufts two and three and a dark dorsal stripe from tuft four rearward. Overall, larval color is basically yellow; abdominal tufts are bright yellow, body and lateral clumps of hair are pale yellow. The life cycle of the species in Alabama is little known. Seasonal activity is apparently much the same as that of the whitemarked tussock. Wingless females oviposit on cocoons from which they emerged; egg masses are covered with hairs from the body of the moth. Caterpillars are present during the period April-October; two or more generations may occur. Occurrence, Damage and Importance The definite-marked tussock is much less common than the whitemarked in this area. Caterpillars have not been found in sufficient numbers to cause noticeable loss of foliage.