Rusty Tussock Moth (Orgyia antiqua) Caterpillars in Nome

Observation by Tammy Davis:

I received a report from a Nome resident of a large population of caterpillars in Nome. They were believed to be the caterpillar of the rusty tussock moth. The abundance of caterpillars had not been detected before.

Darlene Holmberg in Aniak writes:

I saw a couple by Russian mission (Kako Retreat Center) around 2010, while geologists were visiting the area by helicopter; they may have noticed them as well. I only saw two, but I was sure looking.

Comments from LEO editors:

This is the second observation about an unusually large population of rusty tussock moth caterpillars in the Nome area, which is possibly due to the unusually high temperatures experienced statewide. Jessie Moan, from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension, consulted on the other observation about caterpillars, saying:

The caterpillars are tussock moth caterpillars. They are known to feed on a variety of trees and shrubs and can defoliate large areas when populations are high. Populations can vary from year to year depending on the weather. Elizabeth Lindley