Hemileuca maia

Hemileuca maia can be distinguished from related Hemileuca species by geographic distribution and, where overlapping, by subtle morphological and genetic differences. Within the H. maia-nevadensis species complex, H. maia sensu stricto occupies eastern North America, while Great Plains populations previously identified as H. nevadensis are now recognized as distinct species (Hemileuca latifascia). Males of H. maia, H. grotei, and H. nevadensis show no attraction to Argiope aurantia pheromone lures, unlike males of H. magnifica and H. hera which are strongly attracted.

Oak-dominated forests and urban/suburban areas with oak trees.

Eastern North America, ranging from peninsular Florida to New England, and westward to Texas and Kansas. The species has expanded its range northward in recent decades.

One generation per year. Adults emerge in late summer. Eggs overwinter on host twigs and hatch in spring.

Larvae feed exclusively on oak (Quercus) foliage. Adults do not feed.

• Quercus - primary hostlarvae feed gregariously on oak leaves

Eggs are deposited in masses on oak twigs and overwinter. Larvae hatch in spring and develop through multiple instars, feeding gregariously. Pupation occurs in soil. Adults emerge in late summer, mate, and females deposit eggs for the next generation.

Larvae feed gregariously. Adults are diurnal and fast-flying, often flying well above the vegetation canopy layer.

Defoliator of oak trees; can cause significant tree stress and mortality with repeated defoliation. Urticating larvae pose health risks to humans, pets, and livestock.

Medical importance due to envenomation risk from larval urticating spines, which can cause stinging, itching, and localized reactions in humans and animals. Management strategies include monitoring, biological control using Bacillus thuringiensis, and chemical insecticides.

• Hemileuca nevadensisPreviously confused with H. maia; now recognized as distinct species occupying different geographic range
• Hemileuca latifasciaElevated from synonymy; occupies northern Great Plains, genetically divergent from nominate H. nevadensis
• Hemileuca menyanthevoraElevated from synonymy (bog buckmoth); occupies eastern Great Lakes region, previously known as H. iroquois
• Hemileuca groteiClosely related species in same clade, males show no attraction to Argiope aurantia lures
• Hemileuca heraDifferent clade, males strongly attracted to Argiope aurantia lures, unlike H. maia males

Despite common name, buck moths have no association with deer or other mammals. The name derives from the larval behavior or appearance rather than any ecological relationship with ungulates.

• Saturniidae
• oak defoliator
• urticating caterpillar
• diurnal moth
• species complex
• range expansion
• medical entomology
• integrated pest management
• pheromone biology
• predator-prey coevolution

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
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• Buck moth Hemileuca maia (Drury)
• Biology and Management of the Buck Moth, Hemileuca maia (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)
• Biogeography and taxonomy of the Hemileuca maia-nevadensis Stretch species complex (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae): insights to the midcontinental populations
• Fatal Attraction: Argiope Spiders Lure Male Hemileuca Moth Prey with the Promise of Sex