Anisota virginiensis pellucida

A of the pink-striped oakworm moth, distinguished by more transparent or translucent wing areas in . The caterpillars feed on oak foliage and develop through several instars before pupating in soil. Adults emerge in summer and are active during daylight hours.

Anisota virginiensis aka Southern Pink-striped Oakworm Moth by RobertJBanach. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Southern Pink-striped Oakworm - Anisota virginiensis pellucida, Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, Felda, Florida by judygva (back in town and trying to catch up). Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Sepp-Surinaamsche vlinders - pl 076 text2 descr. as Phalaena pellucida by Jan Sepp (1778 - 1853). Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anisota virginiensis pellucida: //ˌænɪˈsoʊtə vɜːˌdʒɪˈniːənˌsɪs pɛˈluːsɪdə//

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

Identification

differ from the nominate Anisota virginiensis virginiensis by possessing more extensive transparent or hyaline areas on the wings, particularly the hindwings. The pink to rose-colored stripes on the and are retained. Caterpillars resemble other Anisota with black bodies, yellowish to orange stripes, and paired fleshy horns behind the .

Images

Habitat

Associated with oak-dominated forests and woodlands where trees occur.

Distribution

The subspecific epithet "pellucida" suggests distribution in areas where transparent-winged forms occur; precise range boundaries relative to the nominate are not well documented in available sources.

Seasonality

active in summer; caterpillars present during growing season when oak foliage is available.

Diet

Caterpillars feed on oak leaves (Quercus spp.), particularly in the red oak group.

Host Associations

  • Quercus - larval oak

Life Cycle

Complete with four larval instars. laid on oak leaves. Caterpillars feed gregariously early in development, later dispersing. Mature larvae drop to ground and burrow into soil to pupate. emerge the following season.

Behavior

Caterpillars feed primarily at night. When disturbed, they may drop from foliage on silk threads. Mature larvae descend tree trunks to seek sites in soil. are and do not feed.

Ecological Role

Defoliator of oaks; periodic can cause significant leaf loss. Serves as prey for birds, , and other natural enemies.

Human Relevance

Can become a pest of ornamental oaks during years. Caterpillars may be conspicuous when descending trees to pupate, sometimes crossing sidewalks and trails in large numbers.

Similar Taxa

Sources and further reading