πŸ¦‹ Butterflies & Moths

Tussar Moth

Antheraea mylitta

About Tussar Moth

A large Indian silk moth with deep golden-brown wings and prominent eyespots bordered in black. It is one of the most commercially important wild silk moths in South Asia.

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Did You Know?

Tribal communities in central India have harvested its cocoons for tussar silk for over 4,000 years.

How to Identify Tussar Moth

Tussar Moth (Antheraea mylitta) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Saturniidae. Adults typically measure 120-160 mm wingspan.

Tussar Moth Habitat

Tussar Moth is found in forests habitats, particularly across India, Southeast Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Tussar Moth Diet and Feeding

Tussar Moth has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.

Where Is Tussar Moth Found?

Tussar Moth can be found in India, Southeast Asia, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Tussar Moth can be found

Is Tussar Moth Dangerous?

Tussar Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Tussar Moth Role in Nature

Tussar Moth plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Tussar Moth are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
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Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Tussar Moth

What does Tussar Moth look like?

The Tussar Moth typically measures 120-160 mm wingspan.

Where is Tussar Moth found?

The Tussar Moth is found in India, Southeast Asia and typically inhabits forests environments.

What does Tussar Moth eat?

The Tussar Moth has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.

Is Tussar Moth dangerous to humans?

The Tussar Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Tussar Moth?

Tribal communities in central India have harvested its cocoons for tussar silk for over 4,000 years.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Tussar Moth (Antheraea mylitta). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/tussar-moth

MLA:
"Tussar Moth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/tussar-moth.