Europeans Invade

Mister Tussock is in town. Just when you think you've seen it all, along comes the larva of the Rusty Tussock Moth. Fly fishing this week I saw my first one. I've seen Wooly and Monarch Caterpillars but the Tussock takes the cake. This invasive species from Europe has burst on the river scene just recently. If it works it's way into the trout diet, what are we going to do?
How in the world are Fly Tiers going to match this gaudy caterpillar? The Tussock has every color and more curves than Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. What would you call this fly? The "Quadra-Para/ Horned/ Furry Antennae/ Orange Headed/ Fuzzy Buck Tailed/ Yellow Stripped/ Wooly Bugger?  Whew, that's a mouthful and for the trout as well. With fly names like "Peanut Envy", "Dirty Hippie", or "Muddy Buddy", how about calling this new fly "Para-Rube Goldberg"!
OK, now try to tie one. Those who tie the fly would be strapped to their tying vise for a week and the fly would cost about $300? Wow that's a lot of money to catch a fish. Wouldn't it be smarter to go to the Moose Jaw Restaurant for the "All U Can Eat Friday Night Fish Fry" for all 12 weeks of summer and for less money? I might not be the sharpest barb in the fly box, but I did the math.
The larva of the Rusty Tussock Miller is a real looser, but they sure are pretty...Really?

---