Anisota consularis

Dyar, 1896

Florida oakworm moth, consular oakworm moth

Anisota consularis is a to southeastern North America. feed on oak foliage, often in gregarious groups, and can cause noticeable during years. The was described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1896 and is distinguished from related 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/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from the more widespread Anisota senatoria (orangestriped ) by geographic range—A. consularis occurs primarily in Florida and adjacent southeastern states. have reduced or absent pink striping compared to A. virginiensis. are similar to other Anisota : black with orange or 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 . feed through summer; second may occur in southern parts of range.

Diet

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

Host Associations

  • Quercus - primary larval

Life Cycle

Overwinters as in soil. emerge in spring, mate, and females on undersides of oak leaves. 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

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 for and other . 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 patterns and larval coloration details

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