Pine-feeding
Guides
Coloradia pandora
Pandora Pinemoth, Pandora Moth
Coloradia pandora is a large saturniid moth native to western North America. The larvae are specialized feeders on pine foliage, with documented hosts including lodgepole pine, Jeffrey pine, and ponderosa pine. Outbreak populations occasionally cause severe defoliation in coniferous forests of northern Arizona, central Oregon, and southern California. The species has historical significance for indigenous peoples; the Paiute traditionally harvested larvae as a food source. Adults are nocturnal and do not feed.
Coloradia pandora davisi
Coloradia pandora davisi is a subspecies of giant silkmoth in the family Saturniidae, first described by Barnes and Benjamin in 1926. It represents the southernmost population of Coloradia pandora, distributed in Middle America and the southwestern United States. Like other Hemileucinae, adults do not feed and rely on fat reserves accumulated during the larval stage. The subspecies is distinguished from the nominate form by geographic range and subtle morphological differences.
Eufidonia convergaria
Pine Powder Moth, Converged Powder Moth
Eufidonia convergaria is a North American geometrid moth commonly known as the pine powder moth. The species is strongly associated with Pinus forests across northern and western regions of the continent. Adults are active in late spring and early summer, with larvae specialized on pine foliage.
Hydriomena transfigurata
Transfigured Hydriomena Moth
Hydriomena transfigurata is a small geometrid moth native to North America. The species is broadly distributed across eastern and central regions of the continent, from Canada to the southeastern United States. Adults are active primarily in spring and early summer, with larvae specializing on pine hosts.
Pseudohemihyalea ambigua
red-banded aemilia
Pseudohemihyalea ambigua, commonly known as the red-banded aemilia, is a moth species in the family Erebidae (subfamily Arctiinae). It occurs from southern Wyoming southward through the Rocky Mountain and southwestern United States to Durango, Mexico. Adults are active from June to August, with forewing lengths of approximately 22 mm in males and 24 mm in females. The larvae feed on Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine).
Rhyacionia rigidana
Pitch Pine Tip Moth
A small tortricid moth whose larvae are specialized feeders on pine shoots. The species has been studied for its larval development, with five instars confirmed through morphometric analysis of head capsule widths. Common name references its association with pitch pine (Pinus rigida).
Zale squamularis
Gray-banded Zale Moth, Gray-banded Zale
Zale squamularis, the gray-banded zale moth, is a noctuid moth species first described by Dru Drury in 1773. It occurs in the eastern and southeastern United States, where its larvae feed on pine needles. The species produces two to three generations annually in New Jersey, with adults active from spring through fall.