Anisota manitobensis

McDunnough, 1921

Manitoba Oakworm Moth

Anisota manitobensis, the Manitoba , is a of royal moth in the Saturniidae. It is found in North America, primarily in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Early instar caterpillars are highly gregarious, feeding in groups on oak leaves.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anisota manitobensis: //ˌænɪˈsoʊtə ˌmænɪtoʊˈbɛnsɪs//

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Identification

Distinguished from other Anisota by geographic distribution, being primarily restricted to Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The closely related Anisota senatoria (orangestriped ) occurs more broadly in eastern North America. Specific morphological differences between Anisota species require detailed examination and are not well documented in general sources.

Habitat

Associated with oak forests and woodlands. The inhabits regions where its plant, bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa), occurs.

Distribution

North America, primarily Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada.

Seasonality

emerge in spring from pupae. Multiple may occur, with a second generation of adults emerging later in the season, based on patterns observed in related Anisota .

Diet

Larval plant is Quercus macrocarpa (bur oak). Early instar caterpillars feed gregariously on oak leaves.

Host Associations

Quercus macrocarpa - larval plantbur oak

Life Cycle

Overwinters as pupa in soil. emerge in spring, mate, and females lay on undersides of oak leaves. Larvae feed gregariously, especially in early instars. Mature larvae drop to ground and burrow into soil to pupate. Second may occur in favorable conditions.

Behavior

Early instar caterpillars exhibit highly gregarious feeding , clustering together on leaves. This behavior reduces individual risk and may facilitate more efficient feeding.

Ecological Role

Larval defoliator of oaks. Serves as prey for and other natural enemies. Contributes to nutrient cycling through leaf consumption and production.

Human Relevance

Potential minor pest of oak trees in urban and suburban landscapes, though appear less common than in the related Anisota senatoria. Not considered a significant economic pest.

Similar Taxa

Anisota senatoriaSimilar appearance and , but A. senatoria occurs more broadly in eastern North America and has more prominent orange stripes on larvae. A. manitobensis is geographically restricted to the Canadian prairies.
Anisota stigmaAnother congeneric with overlapping plant use, distinguished by distribution and subtle morphological differences.

More Details

Taxonomic Status

Described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1921. The is considered valid and accepted, though it is less well-studied than other members of the Anisota.

Conservation Status

Not evaluated by IUCN. Likely secure given its association with widespread oak , though prairie oak have declined historically.