Apatelodes torrefacta
(Smith, 1797)
Spotted Apatelodes, Spotted Apatelodes Moth
Apatelodes torrefacta is a in the Apatelodidae, commonly known as the Spotted Apatelodes. It is distributed across eastern North America from southern Canada to the southeastern United States. The exhibits in southern portions of its range and in the north. Larvae undergo a striking color change from gray to bright yellow during development.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Apatelodes torrefacta: //əˈpætəloʊdiːz tɔːrɛˈfæk.tə//
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Identification
Wingspan 32–42 mm. can be distinguished from similar Apatelodes by geographic range and wing pattern; specific diagnostic characters require examination of wing markings and body proportions. Larvae are identifiable by their distinctive color transition from gray in early instars to bright yellow at maturity.
Images
Distribution
Eastern North America: from Maine and southern Ontario south to Florida, west to Texas, and north to Wisconsin.
Seasonality
active from May to August. Two per year in the southern portion of the range; one generation per year in the north.
Diet
Larvae feed on Fraxinus, Prunus, Acer, and Quercus .
Life Cycle
Two annually in southern , one generation in northern populations. Larvae begin as gray and become bright yellow as they mature.