The adult moths, which have white wings with black markings, lay eggs in July and early August. After hatching, the whitish or pinkish caterpillars bore into the bark and then into the wood. The leopard moth requires 2-3 years to develop. Removal of infested branches usually controls this occasional pest. Tussock moths .
Several species feed on birch.
Hickory tussock moth, Lophocampa caryae, feeds on hickory and other tree foliage. The rear wings are light buff. The eggs are laid in patches on the underside of a leaf in July. There is one annual generation, and the insect overwinters in gray cocoons fastened to trees, fences, or other objects. Spraying with Bacillus thuringiensis var.