Lymantriinae

Lymantriinae is a subfamily of erebidae moths. Typically members of this subfamily are medium-sized moths and the adults often have hairy bodies. Many of the subfamilies males have feathery (bipectinate) antennae, while females may have simpler antennae and some genera are flightless. The forewings are often muted in colour with browns, grays, or whites. The hindwings are usually lighter and sometimes have a subtle pattern. The caterpillars are densely hairy, often with tufts of longer setae (hence the name “tussock moths”). Many of the species have urticating hairs that can cause skin irritation. The larvae are typically polyphagous, feeding on a wide variety of plants, including trees and shrubs. This makes some species in the Lymantriinae subfamily forest pests because outbreaks can defoliate trees, though Eribidea is not widely reported as a major pest. Many species do not feed as adults; their primary role is reproduction.
