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The Pale Tussock moth is a common species throughout much of the southern half of England, becoming scarcer in northern regions.

The species is also recorded in Northern Ireland and throughout much of continental Europe.

The moths are nocturnal and fly in a single generation from late spring to early summer when mainly the males in are attracted to light.

Males have a wing length of up to 22mm and have comb-like antennae.

When settled the moths extend their hairy front legs out in front.

The caterpillars are between 40-45mm in length and feed on a wide variety of deciduous trees as well as many other plants such as bramble and hops.

They were once commonly found on hops growing in the south east of England where the pickers referred to them as Hop Dogs. The hairs of the caterpillars were reputed to have caused quite severe allergic skin reactions among the pickers.