Dryocampa

Harris, 1833

rosy maple moths

Species Guides

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Dryocampa is a of small saturniid native to North America, containing approximately seven described . The genus is best known for Dryocampa rubicunda, the rosy maple moth, recognized by its distinctive pink and yellow coloration. Larvae of this genus feed on maple trees (Acer species), with some species occasionally reaching densities that cause noticeable defoliation. are typically and possess reduced mouthparts, not feeding as adults.

Dryocampa rubicunda by Mike Boone. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.Dryocampa rubicunda Kittery, Maine by DragonFire1024. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.Rosy Maple Moth at Broad Creek Scout Reservation 20220726 by Jstuby. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dryocampa: /draɪoʊˈkæmpə/

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

Identification

in this are small for Saturniidae, with wingspans generally under 50 mm. Dryocampa rubicunda is distinguished by bright pink forewings with yellow banding and a yellow body, making it one of the most vividly colored North American moths. Other exhibit more subdued coloration in cream, white, or pale yellow tones. The genus can be separated from related saturniid genera by wing venation patterns and genitalia structure, though species-level identification often requires examination of these features.

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Habitat

Deciduous forests dominated by maple trees, particularly in eastern North America. Larvae develop on foliage; occurs in soil beneath host trees.

Distribution

Eastern and central North America, with records from the northeastern United States through the southeastern states and into adjacent Canadian provinces.

Seasonality

emerge in spring and early summer; in the northeastern United States, typically May through July. Larval activity peaks during summer months. Two occur throughout much of the range, with three or more possible in the deep southern United States.

Diet

Larvae feed exclusively on maple leaves (Acer ). do not feed; mouthparts are reduced or absent.

Host Associations

  • Acer - primary plantlarval food source

Life Cycle

with one to multiple depending on latitude. are laid on underside of maple leaves. Larvae progress through instars, initially gregarious, becoming solitary in later stages. Fully grown larvae drop from trees and burrow into soil to pupate. Pupae overwinter, with emerging the following spring.

Behavior

Larvae exhibit gregarious feeding in early instars, dispersing to become solitary as they mature. When disturbed, larvae may drop from foliage on silken threads. can cause extensive defoliation of trees, though trees typically recover.

Ecological Role

Herbivore and defoliator of maple trees. Larvae serve as food source for avian , predatory beetles, spiders, and . are often terminated by natural enemies.

Human Relevance

Occasional pest of ornamental maple trees during years. Dryocampa rubicunda has become popular in entomological outreach and education due to its striking appearance, appearing on educational materials and merchandise.

Similar Taxa

  • AnisotaAlso in Saturniidae with larvae that feed on woody plants and exhibit gregarious early instar ; distinguished by different associations (oaks, hickories) and coloration patterns.
  • Other Ceratocampinae generaShare reduced mouthparts and pupal in soil; separated by wing pattern, body coloration, and genital .

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Sources and further reading