Oedemasia concinna
(Smith, 1797)
red-humped caterpillar moth, red-humped caterpillar
Oedemasia concinna is a notodontid native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Canada to Florida and Arizona. are small with a wingspan of 30–35 mm. The is best known for its larval stage, which bears a conspicuous red hump and reaches 35 mm in length. Larvae feed on diverse woody plants and are frequently encountered in open- broadleaf forests, forest edges, and suburban settings.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oedemasia concinna: /ˌiːdəˈmeɪʒə kɒnˈsɪnə/
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Identification
The red-humped caterpillar is distinguished from similar notodontid larvae by its namesake bright red thoracic hump. The combination of this hump with the overall body size and pattern separates it from other Oedemasia and from the unrelated but superficially similar saddleback caterpillar (Acharia stimulea), which bears a green saddle-shaped marking rather than a red hump.
Images
Appearance
are small with wingspans of 30–35 mm. Larvae grow to 35 mm and possess a prominent red hump on the , the feature for which the is named. The larval color pattern and are distinctive within the .
Habitat
Mesic to wet broadleaf forests with open ; particularly common along forest edges, old fields, powerline corridors, vernal wetlands, and shrub swamps. Also occurs in suburban parks and residential yards with suitable plants.
Distribution
Eastern and central North America, from southern Canada southward to Florida and westward to Arizona.
Diet
Larvae feed on a wide range of woody plants; specific records are extensive but not exhaustively documented in the provided sources.
Ecological Role
Larvae function as herbivores on woody vegetation in early-successional and edge .
Human Relevance
Larvae are conspicuous and frequently encountered by naturalists and homeowners due to their distinctive appearance and of suburban environments. Not considered a significant economic pest.
Similar Taxa
- Acharia stimuleaSaddleback caterpillar bears a green saddle-shaped marking rather than a red hump; also possesses stinging spines absent in Oedemasia concinna.
- Other Oedemasia speciesLack the distinctive red thoracic hump characteristic of O. concinna larvae.