Anisota fuscosa

Ferguson, 1971

Anisota fuscosa is a in the Saturniidae, described by Ferguson in 1971. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Anisota stigma. The Anisota includes several species of wild silk moths whose caterpillars are known as oakworms, feeding primarily on oak foliage. These caterpillars are gregarious feeders and can cause localized defoliation of trees. are typically active in spring and summer, with larvae descending to soil to pupate and overwinter.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anisota fuscosa: /ˌænɪˈsoʊtə fʌsˈkoʊsə/

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Identification

Anisota fuscosa is currently treated as a synonym of Anisota stigma. Separation from other Anisota requires examination of genitalia and other subtle morphological features. The caterpillars can be distinguished from other oak-feeding larvae by their gregarious feeding habit, distinctive color pattern with longitudinal stripes, and paired thoracic horns. They differ from orangestriped oakworm (Anisota senatoria) in having spiny rather than smooth bodies, and from greenstriped mapleworm (Dryocampa rubicunda) by association and color pattern.

Habitat

Associated with oak-dominated forests and woodlands, including urban and suburban landscapes where oak trees are present. The requires suitable trees for larval development and soil for .

Distribution

North America. Specific range details for this synonym are poorly documented, but the parent Anisota stigma occurs in eastern and central North America.

Seasonality

emerge in spring (May in Maryland region), with larvae present through summer. A second may occur in some portions of the range. Caterpillars descend from trees in late summer to pupate in soil.

Diet

Larvae feed on oak (Quercus) , and potentially hickory (Carya) and birch (Betula). Gregarious feeding habit results in localized heavy defoliation.

Host Associations

Quercus - larval food plantprimary
Carya - larval food plantsecondary
Betula - larval food plantsecondary

Life Cycle

Complete with one to two per year. laid on underside of leaves. Larvae feed gregariously, progressing through instars. Mature larvae drop to ground and burrow into soil to pupate. emerge following winter .

Behavior

Larvae feed in groups, skeletonizing leaves initially then consuming entire leaf blades except major . When disturbed or when tree is depleted, caterpillars may wander en masse to find new food sources. This mass movement makes them conspicuous on sidewalks and trails.

Ecological Role

Herbivore that contributes to nutrient cycling through defoliation and production. Serves as food source for and other natural enemies. are typically regulated by parasitoids and .

Human Relevance

Can be a nuisance pest in urban areas when large numbers of caterpillars defoliate ornamental oaks and wander across sidewalks and trails. accumulation beneath infested trees may be unsightly. Generally not a serious threat to tree health, though consecutive years of defoliation may warrant management.

Similar Taxa

Anisota senatoriaSimilar () and use, but caterpillar has smooth body with orange stripes rather than spines
Anisota stigmaCurrently recognized as the valid name for this ; A. fuscosa is a synonym
Dryocampa rubicundaSimilar and appearance, but feeds on maple rather than oak and has green rather than black ground color

More Details

Taxonomic status

Anisota fuscosa was described by Ferguson in 1971 but is now treated as a synonym of Anisota stigma. The Catalogue of Life and GBIF both list it as SYNONYM with Anisota stigma as the accepted name.

Data limitations

This is poorly represented in biological databases due to its synonym status. Most ecological information is inferred from the parent Anisota stigma and related .