Hodges#4624

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Harrisina americana: /həˈrɪsɪnə əˌmɛrɪˈkeɪnə/

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Summary

Harrisina americana, commonly known as the grapeleaf skeletonizer, is a moth that primarily feeds on grape foliage and can be a pest in agricultural settings. Adults are observed both at night and during the day, actively seeking nectar.

Physical Characteristics

Wings narrow, completely black, held spread out and away from body at rest; collar orange/red, complete (not broken); prominent tufts of scales at the tip of abdomen; antennae pectinate in both sexes and plumose in males. Larvae have a dark head and a yellow body with a complete black band across each abdominal segment. Larvae can reach up to 15 mm in length.

Identification Tips

Adult has narrowly shaped black wings with a reddish collar and a wingspan of 18–28 mm and length of 8–12 mm. Larvae are stout with ten bright yellow bands or dots and eleven alternating black bands, living gregariously on grape foliage.

Habitat

Found in fields and areas where grapevine or Virginia creeper is present; frequents flowers.

Distribution

Widespread in the eastern half of the United States and Ontario.

Diet

Adults take nectar from flowers. Larvae primarily feed on grape foliage and can be pests; may also feed on Redbud and Virginia creeper.

Life Cycle

Multiple generations per year in southern regions; generally one generation per year in northern regions. Development from hatch to pupation takes about 40 days.

Reproduction

Eggs are lemon yellow, shaped like capsules, slightly over 0.5 mm long, and laid in clusters on the underside of leaves. Eggs hatch in about a week.

Predators

Natural predators include other insects that may be attracted to the larvae or adult moths, though specific predators not detailed.

Ecosystem Role

As herbivores, larvae play a role in the ecosystem by feeding on vegetation; adults contribute to pollination.

Economic Impact

Can be pests of grapevines and other foliage due to their feeding habits.

Health Concerns

Larvae can cause a rash if their hair-like setae come into contact with skin.

Collecting Methods

• Light traps at night
• Hand collecting from host plants

Preservation Methods

• Pinning
• Dried specimens in containers

Evolution

Members of the Zygaenidae family produce hydrogen cyanide as an antipredator defense mechanism.

Similar Taxa

• Harrisina metallica (Western grapeleaf skeletonizer)

Misconceptions

Commonly mistaken for other moths due to the similarity in appearance between Harrisina americana and its relatives.

Tags

• moth
• Zygaenidae
• Harrisina americana
• grapeleaf skeletonizer
• insect
• Lepidoptera