THE TUSSOCK’S TALE …

A tussock moth caterpillar, adorned with jewel-like dew drops, grips a blade of grass on a cold winter morning in the Gumai Beel. Belonging to the Lymantriinae subfamily, these caterpillars are widespread across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, and are known for their distinctive tufts and strong defences -- some hairs can irritate skin or deter predators. While not assessed as a group by the IUCN, several species are noted for their impact on forest health.

PHOTO: KOMOL DAS