Hemileuca eglanterina shastaensis

(Grote, 1880)

Mount Shasta Sheep Moth

Hemileuca eglanterina shastaensis is a of sheep moth in the Saturniidae, to the Mount Shasta region of northern California. As a member of the Hemileuca , it is a day-flying with reduced mouthparts that does not feed as an . The subspecies exhibits the characteristic orange and black coloration typical of H. eglanterina, though with geographic variation associated with its isolated mountain . Like other buck moths, its larvae possess urticating spines that can deliver painful stings.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hemileuca eglanterina shastaensis: /ˌhɛmɪˈluːkə ˌɛɡlænˈtɛrɪnə ˌʃæstəˈɛnsɪs/

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Identification

Distinguished from other H. eglanterina by its geographic restriction to the Mount Shasta area. The is highly variable in coloration across its range, with shastaensis showing the typical orange with black markings pattern. are day-flying and may be mistaken for butterflies. Males have feathery for detecting female .

Habitat

Montane in the Mount Shasta region of northern California, including forested areas and associated meadows.

Distribution

Restricted to the Mount Shasta area in northern California, USA.

Seasonality

fly during summer months; exact timing not documented for this specifically.

Diet

do not feed. Larvae feed on plants, though specific plants for this are not documented.

Life Cycle

Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Larvae possess urticating spines. occurs in a cocoon. Adults are short-lived, surviving only a few days on fat reserves accumulated as larvae.

Behavior

Day-flying activity pattern. are attracted to light. Females emit -specific to attract males, which can detect these scents from considerable distances. Mated females deposit on plants.

Human Relevance

Larvae possess stinging spines that can cause painful reactions if handled, making this a to observe without touching. The represents a geographically isolated of conservation interest due to its restricted range.

Similar Taxa

  • Hemileuca eglanterina eglanterinaNominate with broader distribution; distinguished by geographic separation and potential subtle differences in coloration pattern.
  • Hemileuca heraAnother sheep moth with similar day-flying and coloration; distinguished by geographic range and specific wing patterns.
  • Hemileuca nevadensisNevada buck moth with similar appearance and stinging larvae; distinguished by geographic distribution and preferences.

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