Hodges#7744

Hemileuca eglanterina

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Bombycoidea
Family: Saturniidae
Subfamily: Hemileucinae
Tribe: Hemileucini
Genus: Hemileuca
Species: eglanterina

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hemileuca eglanterina: /ˌhɛmɪˈljuːkə ˌɛɡlænˈtɛrɪnə/

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

Images

Hemileuca eglanterina1 by J Schmidt. Used under a Public domain license.

C.1957. Hemileuca eglanterina adult in resting position on bitterbrush. Collected by Robert L. Furniss. Steens Mountain, Oregon. (40832349124) by R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection. Used under a Public domain license.

C.1957. Hemileuca eglanterina adult in resting position on bitterbrush. Collected by Robert L. Furniss. Steens Mountain, Oregon. (40650744375) by R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection. Used under a Public domain license.

Hemileuca eglanterina by Gillian Bowser. Used under a Public domain license.

C.1957. Hemileuca eglanterina larva on bitterbrush. (40650748705) by R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection. Used under a Public domain license.

C.1957. Hemileuca eglanterina adult in resting position on bitterbrush. Collected by Robert L. Furniss. Steens Mountain, Oregon. (40832356474) by R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection. Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Hemileuca eglanterina, or the Sheep Moth, is a day-flying moth found in western North America, known for its striking coloration and unique life cycle, where larvae feed on various plants in mountainous areas and congregate in masses during favorable years.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan 56-85 mm. Forewing usually rose-pink and orange with black bands; hindwing orange with similar variable patterns. Caterpillars black, dark red, or dark brown with species-specific color patterns.

Identification Tips

Females lay eggs in ring-shaped clusters on the host plant. Caterpillars have stinging spines that can cause irritation when touched.

Habitat

Mountain meadows and areas where food plants like trees and shrubs are present.

Distribution

Widely distributed in western North America from southern Canada to southern California, particularly in desert, chaparral, and mountain areas.

Diet

Larvae feed on various trees and shrubs, especially Rosaceae such as rose (Rosa), hawthorn (Crataegus), and cherry (Prunus).

Life Cycle

Two-year life cycle in high mountain habitats; eggs overwinter, pupae in the second year. Caterpillars hatch in spring and complete development before summer.

Reproduction

Females lay 50 to 200 eggs in ring-shaped clusters around host plant branches.

Predators

Caterpillars are preyed upon by parasitoid flies, small wasps, birds, and rodents.

Ecosystem Role

Important herbivores in their habitat; may play a role in pollination.

Cultural Significance

Popular with butterfly collectors due to variable coloration and wing patterns.

Health Concerns

Caterpillars possess stinging hairs that can cause skin rashes.

Evolution

The genus Hemileuca has shown significant variability, possibly driven by environmental factors and diet rather than genetic differences.

Similar Taxa

Automeris

Misconceptions

The larvae's stinging capability is often misunderstood, with some people unaware that the rash can persist for days.