Gregarious-larvae
Guides
Acantholyda circumcincta
Acantholyda circumcincta is a species of sawfly in the family Pamphiliidae, a group commonly known as web-spinning sawflies. The genus Acantholyda contains species whose larvae construct silken webs on host plants. Adults are generally small to medium-sized sawflies with distinctive morphological features. Larval stages are associated with coniferous trees, where they feed gregariously within protective webs.
Anisota oslari
Oslar's oakworm moth
Anisota oslari is a saturniid moth native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are day-flying and active during summer months, with a single annual generation. The larvae are specialized feeders on oak species (Quercus), with documented hosts including sandpaper oak (Q. pungens), Mexican blue oak (Q. oblongifolia), and shrub live oak (Q. turbinella). Larvae exhibit gregarious behavior when young, becoming solitary as they mature. The species overwinters as pupae in shallow underground chambers.
Anisota peigleri
yellowstriped oakworm, yellow-striped oakworm moth
Anisota peigleri is a saturniid moth native to the southeastern United States, described by Jules C. E. Riotte in 1975. Previously misidentified as Anisota senatoria, this species is distinguished by its diurnal adult activity and specific geographic range. The larvae are specialized oak feeders that develop in gregarious clusters, causing noticeable but generally non-lethal defoliation of host trees. The species completes one generation annually, with adults active from mid-July through late August.
Anisota senatoria
orangestriped oakworm, orange-tipped oakworm
Anisota senatoria is a Nearctic silk moth in the family Saturniidae, commonly known as the orangestriped oakworm. It is one of the more common Saturniids in eastern North America, occasionally reaching pest status in the northern parts of its range. The species is notable for being a late-season feeder on oak foliage, which limits its long-term impact on host tree health. Adults are sexually dimorphic: females are larger, yellow-orange with silver-white spots and faint black lines across the wings, while males are smaller and reddish-brown. The species is very similar to A. finlaysoni in southern Ontario and A. peigleri in the southern United States.
Ascia monuste
Great Southern White, pirpinto
Ascia monuste, commonly known as the Great Southern White, is a pierid butterfly and the sole member of its genus. It is a Brassicaceae specialist and a major herbivore of this plant family in the Neotropical region. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females occurring in both light and dark color morphs. It ranges from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States through tropical America to Argentina, with migratory behavior along the southeastern U.S. coast.
Aspilanta voraginella
Aspilanta voraginella is a small moth in the family Heliozelidae, originally described by Annette Frances Braun in 1927 and transferred from Antispila to the new genus Aspilanta based on reduced wing venation and phylogenetic evidence. Adults have a wingspan of 4.7–5.4 mm. The species is found in the southwestern United States, where its larvae are gregarious leaf miners on Vitis arizonica.
Automeris io
Io moth, peacock moth
Automeris io is a colorful North American saturniid moth with sexual dimorphism in adult coloration: males are bright yellow, females reddish-brown to purple. Both sexes possess distinctive eyespots on the hindwings used in anti-predator displays. The caterpillars are gregarious, bright green with red and white lateral stripes, and possess venomous urticating spines that cause painful stings. Adults are nocturnal, lack functional mouthparts, and live 1–2 weeks. Populations have declined in parts of their range, particularly in New England, due to habitat loss and parasitism by introduced biological control agents.
Battus
Pipevine Swallowtails and Allies
Battus is a New World genus of swallowtail butterflies in the family Papilionidae. The genus comprises approximately 9 species distributed across the Americas, with the most well-known North American representatives being Battus philenor (pipevine swallowtail) and Battus polydamas (Polydamas swallowtail). All members share a specialized ecological relationship with pipevine plants (Aristolochia), which serve as their exclusive larval host plants. The genus is notable for its aposematic coloration and chemical defense system derived from sequestered toxins.
Cactoblastis cactorum
cactus moth, South American cactus moth, nopal moth
Cactoblastis cactorum is a pyralid moth native to South America that has become globally significant both as a biological control agent and an invasive pest. In its native range, natural predators and parasitoids limit population growth. The species was deliberately introduced to Australia in 1925 for control of invasive Opuntia cacti, achieving dramatic success that inspired further introductions to South Africa, the Caribbean, and elsewhere. Following Caribbean establishment in the 1950s, the moth spread naturally and through human activity to the southeastern United States by 1989, where it now threatens native cactus species and the ornamental cactus industry. The moth exhibits r-selected life history traits including high fecundity, short adult lifespan, and strong dispersal ability.
Cameraria aesculisella
Cameraria aesculisella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species is known from the eastern and southeastern United States, where its larvae create distinctive blotch mines on leaves of Aesculus (buckeye) species. Larvae hibernate through winter and resume development in spring.
Cephalciinae
Cephalciinae is a subfamily of sawflies within the family Pamphiliidae. Members are characterized by their association with conifers, particularly as larvae that feed on pine needles. The subfamily includes the genus Cephalcia, which contains species known as pine sawflies. Adults are generally robust with broad heads relative to body size.
Ceratophaga vicinella
Gopher Tortoise Shell Moth
Ceratophaga vicinella is a highly specialized keratin-feeding moth in the family Tineidae. The larvae feed exclusively on the keratin shells of dead gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), making this species dependent on a single host source that is currently in decline. Adults are small, dark moths with distinctive cream-colored head tufts. The species has a restricted range in the southeastern United States and appears to be declining due to threats facing its tortoise host.
Chlosyne
Patches and Allies, checkerspots, patches, crescentspots
Chlosyne is a genus of brush-footed butterflies (family Nymphalidae) distributed across North and South America. The genus includes approximately 25-30 species commonly known as patches, checkerspots, and crescentspots based on their wing patterns. Species in this genus exhibit diverse ecological strategies, with larvae of many species feeding gregariously in early instars—a trait that has been shown to enhance growth rates and survival in studied species such as C. lacinia and C. janais. Adults typically display orange, black, and white checkered wing patterns that vary considerably among species and geographic regions.
Chlosyne janais
crimson patch, janais patch
Chlosyne janais is a common New World butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, known as the crimson patch or janais patch. It ranges from Colombia north through Central America and Mexico to southern Texas, with occasional sightings extending into northern Texas and southeastern Mexico. The species inhabits lowland tropical to subtropical forest edges, fields, and riparian areas. Adults feed on flower nectar, while larvae feed gregariously on acanthus shrubs, particularly Anisacanthus wrightii and Odontonema callistachyus. Reproduction is continuous in the tropics; in temperate areas, multiple broods occur from July to November.
Chlosyne lacinia
Bordered Patch, Sunflower Patch
Chlosyne lacinia, commonly known as the bordered patch or sunflower patch, is a highly variable nymphalid butterfly native to North and South America. Adults display extensive color polymorphism in both wing pattern and ground color, with individuals ranging from predominantly black to those with prominent orange, red, or yellow markings. The species exhibits gregarious larval behavior, with females depositing eggs in large clusters and young larvae feeding communally before becoming solitary in later instars. It is a polyphagous herbivore with strong associations to Asteraceae, particularly sunflowers (Helianthus), and has been documented as an agricultural pest in some regions.
Clostera inclusa
angle-lined prominent moth, many-lined prominent, poplar tentmaker, pipla tentmaker
Clostera inclusa is a small notodontid moth native to North America, commonly known as the angle-lined prominent or poplar tentmaker. Adults have a wingspan of 25–32 mm. The species is multivoltine, producing multiple generations per year. Larvae are gregarious and feed on Salicaceae species, particularly poplars. The species serves as an important laboratory host for rearing the egg parasitoid Ooencyrtus ennomophagus.
Comadia redtenbacheri
agave red worm, chinicuil, gusano rojo del maguey
Comadia redtenbacheri is a moth in the family Cossidae, commonly known as the agave red worm or chinicuil. It is a specialist phytophagous species whose larvae bore into Agave plants, particularly the rhizomes. The species has significant cultural and economic importance in Mexico as a traditional food source. Adults are small moths with forewings 12–14 mm in males and 13–16 mm in females. The species has a long, non-uniform life cycle that can exceed one year.
Datana
Datana is a genus of prominent moths in the family Notodontidae, erected by Francis Walker in 1855. The genus comprises approximately 13 described species distributed across North America. Larvae of Datana species are known defoliators of hardwood trees and are among the common late-season defoliators of southern U.S. forests. Several species are notable agricultural and ornamental pests, particularly on pecan and walnut trees.
Datana californica
California Datana
Datana californica is a moth species in the family Notodontidae, first described by Dyar in 1890. It is native to California and belongs to a genus whose larvae are commonly known as 'hand-maid' or 'walnut' caterpillars due to their gregarious behavior and association with woody plants. The species is part of the subfamily Phalerinae, which includes moths with larvae that feed on various trees and shrubs.
Datana drexelii-major
Datana drexelii-major is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae. The genus Datana contains multiple species of late-season defoliators that feed on hardwood trees. Larvae of Datana species are known to be gregarious feeders and can cause localized defoliation, though typically without significant long-term impacts to tree health. The specific taxonomic status and distinguishing features of D. drexelii-major relative to other Datana species require further clarification.
Datana integerrima
Walnut Caterpillar Moth
Datana integerrima, commonly known as the walnut caterpillar moth, is a North American species in the family Notodontidae. The adult moths have a wingspan of 35–50 mm and are active from May to August. The larvae are notable defoliators of walnut, hickory, and other hardwood trees, feeding gregariously in large groups. While capable of causing significant defoliation, single-season outbreaks rarely cause lasting damage to healthy trees.
Datana modesta
Datana modesta is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, first described by William Beutenmüller in 1890. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus whose larvae are known as generalist feeders on woody plants. The species is part of a group of late-season defoliators that typically cause minor, aesthetic damage rather than significant tree health impacts.
Datana perfusa
Large Datana
Datana perfusa is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, commonly known as the Large Datana. Described by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1923, this moth is part of a genus whose larvae are well-known defoliators of hardwood trees. The genus Datana includes several species whose caterpillars feed gregariously and are frequently documented as late-season defoliators of oaks and other hardwoods. While specific details for D. perfusa are limited, the genus is characterized by distinctive caterpillars with warning coloration and defensive behaviors.
Diprion similis
Introduced Pine Sawfly, Imported Pine Sawfly, White Pine Sawfly
Diprion similis is a conifer-feeding sawfly native to central and northern Europe and Asia that has become invasive in North America following its accidental introduction around 1914. The species is notable for its arrhenotokous reproduction, where unfertilized eggs develop into male offspring, facilitating rapid population establishment. Larvae are gregarious defoliators of pine needles, with a strong preference for white pine (Pinus strobus) in North America. The species exhibits two generations per year in many regions, with second-generation larvae overwintering as prepupae in cocoons. Its invasive success has been attributed to parthenogenetic capabilities, lack of natural enemies in introduced ranges, and specialized pheromone communication involving the (2S,3R,7R)-propionate isomer of 3,7-dimethylpentadecan-2-ol.
Diprionidae
Conifer Sawflies
Diprionidae is a family of conifer-feeding sawflies comprising approximately 90-140 species across 11-13 genera. Larvae feed gregariously on conifer needles and can cause major forest outbreaks. Adults are stingless wasps with distinctive antennae: males possess pectinate (comb-like) antennae while females have serrate (saw-like) antennae with about 20 flagellomeres. The family is restricted to the Northern Hemisphere and includes significant forest pests such as Neodiprion sertifer and N. abietis.
Harrisina americana
Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Moth
Harrisina americana, commonly known as the Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Moth, is a day-flying moth in the family Zygaenidae. Adults are uniformly black with a distinctive bright red collar on the neck, serving as aposematic warning coloration. The species is notable among insects for its ability to produce hydrogen cyanide as a chemical defense. Larvae feed on grape family plants, skeletonizing leaves by consuming tissue between the veins. The moth is widespread in the eastern United States and is frequently observed in association with wild and cultivated grapes as well as Virginia creeper.
Hemichroa crocea
striped alder sawfly, banded alder sawfly
Hemichroa crocea is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as the striped alder sawfly or banded alder sawfly. The species is likely native to Europe and has been introduced to North America, where it is actively expanding its range. It is notable for having two generations per year and for the gregarious feeding behavior of its larval stage on alder foliage.
Hemileuca lucina
New England buck moth
Hemileuca lucina, the New England buck moth, is a day-flying saturniid moth endemic to the New England region of the United States. The species is univoltine with adults emerging in September for a flight season lasting approximately two weeks. Larvae possess urticating spines that can cause painful dermatitis and exhibit a developmental shift from gregarious defensive behavior in early instars to solitary escape behavior in late instars. The species was historically confused with its sister species Hemileuca maia until subtle differences in wing translucence and band width were recognized.
Hemileucinae
Buck and Io Moths
Hemileucinae is a subfamily of Saturniidae containing approximately 630 species endemic to North and South America. The subfamily is characterized by larvae bearing venomous urticating spines or setae, with some species capable of causing severe medical reactions in humans. Notable genera include Lonomia, whose caterpillars can cause life-threatening envenomation, and Automeris, known for their striking eyespot patterns. Adults are typically medium to large moths with reduced or non-functional mouthparts.
Homadaula
Homadaula is a genus of small moths in the family Galacticidae, established by Lower in 1907. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed across Africa, Asia, and Australia. Several species are known as webworms, with larvae that construct silk webs on host foliage. Homadaula anisocentra, the mimosa webworm, is the most economically significant species and has been introduced to North America as a pest of ornamental honeylocust and mimosa trees.
Hyphantria
fall webworm moths
Hyphantria is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, established by Thaddeus William Harris in 1841. The genus contains approximately five species, with Hyphantria cunea (fall webworm) being the most widely known due to its economic and ecological significance. Species in this genus are primarily native to North and Central America, though H. cunea has been accidentally introduced to Europe and Asia, where it has become a significant invasive pest. The genus is characterized by larvae that construct communal silk webs for feeding and protection.
Hyphantria cunea
Fall Webworm, Fall Webworm Moth, American White Moth
The fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) is a moth native to North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico. It is best known for its larval stage, in which caterpillars construct large silken webs on the terminal branches of host trees during late summer and fall. The species exhibits two color races that vary geographically: white moths with black-headed caterpillars predominate in northern populations, while spotted moths with red-headed caterpillars are more common in the south. Accidentally introduced to Hungary in the 1940s, it has become a destructive invasive pest across Europe and Asia, particularly in China where it is known as the 'North American White Moth.'
defoliatorweb-forming-caterpillarinvasive-speciesnative-pestpolyphagousfreeze-avoiderthermoregulationbiological-control-targethazelnut-pestmulberry-pesturban-pestornamental-pestforest-pestagricultural-pestgregarious-larvaesilken-webNorth-American-nativeEuropean-invasiveAsian-invasiveviral-biocontrolparasitoid-hosthyperparasitismIthomiini
clearwings, glasswings, tigerwings
Ithomiini is a diverse tribe of approximately 370 species in 40–45 genera, endemic to the Neotropics from Mexico to Argentina. These butterflies are renowned for their Müllerian mimicry rings, slow flight, and unpalatability derived from sequestered pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Adults actively seek out and sequester these defensive compounds from plants rather than synthesizing them de novo. The tribe represents the largest known radiation of Müllerian mimetic butterflies and dominates Neotropical mimetic butterfly communities by number.
Lasiocampidae
Lappet Moths, Eggars, Tent Caterpillars, Snout Moths
Lasiocampidae is a family of moths comprising over 2,000 species worldwide, representing approximately 5% of global moth diversity. The family is characterized by large, hairy caterpillars with distinctive skin flaps on their prolegs, and adults that are typically large-bodied with broad wings. Many species are notable for their social larval behavior, including tent caterpillars that construct communal silk nests. The family is the sole member of the superfamily Lasiocampoidea and includes several economically significant forest pests.
Lepidopteramothstent-caterpillarsforest-pestsgregarious-larvaesilken-nestsdefoliatorsbipectinate-antennaelappet-mothseggarssnout-mothsMalacosomaDendrolimusEriogasterTolypePhyllodesmasocial-caterpillarsthermoregulationpheromone-trailscocoonfolivoryconifer-pestsdeciduous-forestintegrated-pest-managementMcMorran-dietLochmaeus bilineata
Double-lined Prominent, double-lined prominent moth
Lochmaeus bilineata, commonly known as the double-lined prominent moth, is a notodontid moth found across eastern North America. Adults are active from spring through fall depending on latitude, with a wingspan of 32–40 mm. The larvae feed on the foliage of several hardwood tree genera including Fagus, Quercus, Tilia, Betula, and Ulmus. As a late-season defoliator, it typically causes minor, localized damage that does not threaten overall tree health.
Lophocampa
Lophocampa is a genus of arctiine tussock moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Thaddeus William Harris in 1841. The genus contains approximately 75 species distributed primarily in North America. Larvae are commonly known as tussock moths and typically exhibit gregarious behavior, forming aggregated colonies on host trees. Several species are notable for their distinctive larval coloration with tufts of hair-like setae.
Malacosoma disstria
Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth
The forest tent caterpillar moth (Malacosoma disstria) is a native North American lasiocampid moth known for its periodic outbreak populations. Unlike its congener the eastern tent caterpillar, it does not construct true silken tents; instead, larvae form silk mats on which they rest between feeding bouts. The species is highly polyphagous on deciduous trees and exhibits gregarious behavior in early instars, becoming more solitary in later stages. Population cycles are regulated by natural enemies including parasitoid wasps, flies, and pathogens.
Melanchroia chephise
white-tipped black, snowbush spanworm
Melanchroia chephise is a moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the white-tipped black or snowbush spanworm. It ranges from the southern United States through Central America to Paraguay. The adult exhibits striking black wings with white apical patches, while the gregarious larvae feed on foliage of plants in the Phyllanthaceae family, particularly Breynia and Phyllanthus species. Despite occasional outbreaks that defoliate ornamental plantings, the species typically causes no lasting harm to hosts and poses no risk to humans.
Melitaeini
checkerspots, crescents, crescentspots, fritillaries
Melitaeini is a tribe of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae), commonly known as checkerspots, crescents, or crescentspots. The tribe comprises 20–25 genera divided among five subtribes. Members are distributed across diverse habitats including steppe and taiga forest regions. Larvae exhibit gregarious behavior and feed on specific host plants, with documented associations including Veronica incana, Scabiosa comosa, and Stemmacantha uniflora. The tribe serves as host for specialized parasitoid wasps, particularly in the genus Cotesia.
Neodiprion
Neodiprion is a genus of conifer sawflies in the family Diprionidae, containing approximately 25 species native to North America. Larvae are specialized folivores of pine needles, with most species exhibiting strong host associations with particular Pinus species. Several species, including N. lecontei and N. sertifer, are significant forest pests capable of causing extensive defoliation during outbreak years. The genus is distinguished from related sawflies by morphological and ecological traits associated with conifer specialization.
Neodiprion compar
redheaded pine sawfly
Neodiprion compar is a conifer sawfly in the family Diprionidae, commonly known as the redheaded pine sawfly. The species is native to eastern North America and feeds primarily on pine needles. Larvae are gregarious and can cause significant defoliation during outbreaks, though populations are typically moderated by natural enemies. The species is one of approximately 25 conifer sawfly species found in eastern U.S. forests.
Neodiprion lecontei
red-headed pine sawfly, Leconte's sawfly
Neodiprion lecontei is a pine-feeding sawfly native to eastern North America, commonly known as the red-headed pine sawfly. Adults are small (5–8.5 mm), sexually dimorphic, and active in spring and summer. Larvae are gregarious defoliators of pine needles, capable of stripping entire branches and causing significant damage to young trees and plantations. The species exhibits complex population dynamics with one to three generations per year depending on latitude, and has been extensively studied as a model for host-associated differentiation, gene expression decoupling across life stages, and baculovirus pathology.
Neodiprion pinetum
White Pine Sawfly
Neodiprion pinetum is a conifer-feeding sawfly native to eastern North America. Adults are broad-bodied, stingless wasps with females bearing a saw-like ovipositor used to insert eggs into pine needles. Larvae are creamy-yellow with black heads and four longitudinal rows of black spots, resembling caterpillars but possessing more prolegs. The species is frequently monophagous on eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), though larvae have been documented on several other pine species. Localized outbreaks occur regularly and can kill small stands of host trees, though natural enemies including egg and larval parasitoids typically provide substantial biological control.
Notodontidae
Prominent Moths
Notodontidae is a family of moths comprising approximately 3,800 described species, first established by James Francis Stephens in 1829. The family is distributed globally but reaches its greatest diversity in tropical regions, particularly the New World. Adults are characterized by heavy bodies, long wings held folded across the back at rest, and predominantly dull coloration in grey or brown tones. The family name derives from Greek roots meaning 'back tooth,' referring to the tuft of hair often present on the trailing edge of the forewing. Larvae exhibit remarkable morphological diversity and possess chemical defenses uncommon in other Lepidoptera.
Nymphalis antiopa
Mourning Cloak, Camberwell Beauty
Nymphalis antiopa is a large, distinctive butterfly native to Eurasia and North America. Adults are among the longest-lived butterflies, with lifespans of 11–12 months. The species is notable for its early spring emergence, often before snow has melted, and for seasonal altitudinal migrations in some regions. Larvae feed gregariously on willows, elms, and other woody plants, while adults primarily consume tree sap, rotting fruit, and aphid honeydew rather than nectar.
Papilio anchisiades
ruby-spotted swallowtail, red-spotted swallowtail
Papilio anchisiades is a medium to large swallowtail butterfly with a wingspan of 70–100 mm, distributed from southern Texas through Central America to Argentina. The species exhibits considerable geographic variation across its range, with multiple recognized subspecies. Larvae feed on Rutaceae, particularly Citrus species, and adults are commonly observed drinking at moist ground near rivers rather than in forested habitats.
Pergidae
pergid sawflies
Pergidae is the third-largest family of sawflies (Hymenoptera: Symphyta), with approximately 450 described species. The family is distributed primarily in the Australasian and Neotropical regions, with South America and Australia representing the greatest diversity. Members exhibit considerable morphological variation in antennae structure, ranging from simple to pectinate or bipectinate forms, and frequently display sexual dimorphism. Several species are economically significant as agricultural pests or livestock toxins, while others have been evaluated as biological control agents.
Pryeria sinica
euonymus leaf notcher, euonymus defoliator moth
Pryeria sinica is a univoltine zygaenid moth native to East Asia, introduced to the United States in 2002 where it has established populations in Maryland and Virginia. The species is a specialist herbivore of Celastraceae, particularly Euonymus species, where larvae feed gregariously and create distinctive marginal notches on leaves. Adults are diurnal wasp mimics with clear wings and aposematic coloration. The species has been reported more recently in the United Kingdom.
Salbia
Salbia is a genus of crambid moths (family Crambidae, subfamily Pyraustinae) established by Achille Guenée in 1854. The genus contains leaf-rolling species, including Salbia lotanalis, which has been studied as a potential biological control agent for the invasive tree Miconia calvescens. Larvae feed on Melastomataceae and construct leaf rolls for shelter.
Scythris inspersella
Norfolk owlet
Scythris inspersella, commonly known as the Norfolk owlet, is a small moth in the family Scythrididae first described by Jacob Hübner in 1817. It has a Holarctic distribution spanning Asia, Europe, and North America. The species is diurnal and has been observed visiting flowers during its July–August flight period. Its larvae feed gregariously on willowherbs (Onagraceae), spinning together the terminal shoots of their host plants.