Hemileuca peigleri

Lemaire, 1993

Texas buck moth

Hemileuca peigleri, the Texas buck moth, is a day-flying saturniid to central Texas. are short-lived and do not feed, relying on fat reserves accumulated during larval development. The is closely associated with oak , where larvae feed on several oak species. Taxonomic status has been debated, with some authorities treating it as a of Hemileuca maia, though it is currently recognized as a distinct species.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hemileuca peigleri: /ˌhɛ.mɪˈluː.kə ˈpeɪɡ.lə.raɪ/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Hemileuca by the combination of nearly transparent wings with gray uppersides and prominent white bands. The male's red-tipped separates it from females and from some . Geographic restriction to central Texas aids identification. Separation from Hemileuca maia (with which it has been synonymized) requires examination of genitalia or geographic provenance.

Appearance

have nearly transparent wings with gray uppersides, narrow black borders, and black wing bases. Each wing displays a wide white band containing a small eyespot. Wingspan ranges from 5.8 to 8.2 cm. Males have a black with a red tip; females have a solid black abdomen.

Habitat

Oak-covered hills in central Texas. Specifically associated with woodland and savanna dominated by oak .

Distribution

to central Texas, United States.

Diet

Larvae feed on Texas live oak (Quercus fusiformis), Havard's oak (Quercus havardii), Shumard's oak (Quercus shumardii), and Nuttall oak (Quercus texana). do not feed.

Host Associations

Quercus fusiformis - larval Texas live oak
Quercus havardii - larval Havard's oak
Quercus shumardii - larval Shumard's oak
Quercus texana - larval Nuttall oak

Behavior

Females fly 10–20 feet above the ground within oak trees while males fly near the ground. are .

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore on oaks; contributes to nutrient cycling in oak woodland . may serve as prey for birds and other .

Human Relevance

Larvae possess urticating (stinging) spines and should not be handled. Contact can cause localized pain, swelling, and skin irritation.

Similar Taxa

Hemileuca maiaHas been treated as ; distinguished by geography and subtle morphological differences
Hemileuca nevadensisAnother buck moth with similar and appearance; geographically separated
Hemileuca eglanterinaRelated sheep moth with variable coloration; western distribution

More Details

Taxonomic note

The was described by Lemaire in 1993 (or 1979 per some sources). Its specific status relative to Hemileuca maia remains a subject of taxonomic discussion, with some authorities recognizing it as a distinct species and others as a .

Conservation concern

Related buck moth (e.g., Hemileuca nevadensis) have experienced significant mortality from prescribed burning practices. While specific data for H. peigleri is not documented, the species' restricted range and dependence on oak make it potentially vulnerable to habitat management practices that do not preserve unburned refugia.