Today’s cat is the tephra tussock moth (Dasychira tephra) in the Family Erebidae. This one was found feeding on hickory (Carya sp.) in July at Meramec State Park in Franklin County, MO. This guys has somehow lost the long dorsal lash on the eighth abdominal segment – a feature that is key in identification. All other characteristics seem to match. This species seems to prefer oaks but can be found on a variety of deciduous woody species. Members of Dasychira exhibit variable patterns and coloration and seem to vary geographically.
A Thousand Acres of Silphiums 