Anisota consularis

Dyar, 1896

Florida oakworm moth, consular oakworm moth

Anisota consularis is a saturniid native to southeastern North America. Larvae feed on oak foliage, often in gregarious groups, and can cause noticeable defoliation during years. The was described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1896 and is distinguished from related oakworms by its more restricted Florida-centered distribution.

Anisota consularis by Ezra Katz. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anisota consularis: /ˌænɪˈsoʊtə kɒnˈsʊlərɪs/

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Identification

Distinguished from the more widespread Anisota senatoria (orangestriped oakworm) by geographic range—A. consularis occurs primarily in Florida and adjacent southeastern states. have reduced or absent pink striping compared to A. virginiensis. Larvae are similar to other Anisota : black with orange or yellow longitudinal stripes, and possess paired fleshy horns behind the .

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Habitat

Deciduous forests and urban landscapes with oak trees, particularly in sandy or well-drained soils suitable for .

Distribution

Southeastern United States, primarily Florida and adjacent Georgia. Records from North America per GBIF.

Seasonality

emerge in spring (May–June) from pupae. Larvae feed through summer; second may occur in southern parts of range.

Diet

Larvae feed on oak foliage (Quercus spp.), including live oak and other southeastern oak .

Host Associations

  • Quercus - primary larval food plant

Life Cycle

Overwinters as pupa in soil. emerge in spring, mate, and females deposit on undersides of oak leaves. Larvae feed gregariously, initially skeletonizing leaves, later consuming entire foliage except midveins. Mature larvae drop to ground and burrow into soil to pupate. Second may occur in Deep South.

Behavior

Larvae feed in conspicuous clusters, making them highly visible when present. Mature larvae wander down tree trunks to find sites in soil.

Ecological Role

Defoliator of oaks; serves as prey for and other natural enemies. naturally regulated by parasitoids and .

Human Relevance

Occasional pest of ornamental oaks in Florida; can cause aesthetic damage and accumulate on sidewalks and patios. Rarely causes significant tree mortality.

Similar Taxa

  • Anisota senatoriaOverlapping range in southeastern states; distinguished by more northern distribution and slightly different coloration
  • Anisota virginiensisSimilar larval appearance; have more prominent pink striping and broader eastern distribution
  • Anisota stigmaOccurs in overlapping range; distinguished by wing patterns and larval coloration details

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Sources and further reading