Northern Pink-striped Oakworm Moth

Anisota virginiensis virginiensis

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anisota virginiensis virginiensis: //ˌæn.ɪˈsoʊ.tə vɜrˌdʒɪˈniː.ɛn.sɪs vɜrˌdʒɪˈniː.ɛn.sɪs//

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Images

Anisota virginiensis front by Samantha Ranlet. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Anisota virginiensis pupa by Lacy L. Hyche, Auburn University, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Anisota virginiensis top by Samantha Ranlet. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Anisota virginiensis mating by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Forestry Archive, , United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Anisota virginiensis larva by Lacy L. Hyche, Auburn University, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Anisota virginiensis larva2 by James Solomon, USDA Forest Service, United States. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

Anisota virginiensis, known as the Northern Pink-striped Oakworm Moth, is a moth species in the Saturniidae family, characterized by sexual dimorphism in wing coloration and a lifecycle involving pheromone-mediated mating and caterpillar development primarily on deciduous trees.

Physical Characteristics

The female's wings are purplish red with ochre-yellow and almost transparent; the male's wings are purplish brown with a large transparent space. Females are larger than males with a wingspan of 4.2 to 6.6 centimeters.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinct coloration of the wings; females are purplish red with yellow, and males are purplish brown with a transparent area. Size difference is notable between the sexes.

Habitat

Found in deciduous woodlands and suburbs across Canada from Nova Scotia to southeastern Manitoba, and in the United States.

Distribution

Canada (Nova Scotia to southeastern Manitoba) and various locations in the United States.

Diet

Caterpillars feed on foliage of oak trees, maples, birches, and hazels.

Life Cycle

Females release pheromones to attract swarming males. Mating occurs quickly in the morning, followed by egg-laying under oak leaves. The caterpillars are primarily green or gray with stripes and overwinter in the soil as pupae.

Reproduction

Mating occurs in the morning with pheromone attraction. Females lay eggs primarily under oak leaves after mating.

Conservation Status

Not required; considered a pest of forests due to tree defoliation.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a pest in forest ecosystems, potentially impacting tree health.

Economic Impact

Considered a pest due to defoliation of trees, which may require treatment.

Misconceptions

None specifically mentioned.

Tags

  • Anisota virginiensis
  • Northern Pink-striped Oakworm Moth
  • Saturniidae
  • Lepidoptera