Urticating-caterpillars
Guides
Hemileuca burnsi
Burns' buckmoth
Hemileuca burnsi is a species of buck moth in the family Saturniidae, commonly known as Burns' buckmoth. It is native to North America. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7737. As a member of the genus Hemileuca, it belongs to a group of day-flying moths whose caterpillars possess urticating (stinging) spines.
Hemileuca griffini
Griffin's Sheepmoth, Canadian Fleabane Moth
Hemileuca griffini is a day-flying silk moth in the family Saturniidae, described by Tuskes in 1978. The species occurs in North America and is one of approximately 24 species in the genus Hemileuca, commonly known as buck moths or sheep moths. Like other members of its genus, it is likely characterized by striking coloration and urticating (stinging) caterpillars that feed on woody plants. The Hodges number for this species is 7740.
Hemileuca magnifica
Magnificent Buck Moth
Hemileuca magnifica is a species of buck moth in the family Saturniidae, described by Rotger in 1948. Like other members of the genus Hemileuca, it is a day-flying moth with adults that do not feed. The species belongs to a genus known for caterpillars with urticating (stinging) spines that feed on woody plants, particularly oaks. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species compared to better-known congeners such as H. eglanterina and H. nevadensis.
Saturniidae
Emperor and Giant Silk Moths, saturniids, giant silkworm moths, royal moths
Saturniidae is a family of Lepidoptera containing approximately 2,300 described species, including some of the largest moths in the world. Adults are characterized by large lobed wings, heavy bodies covered in hair-like scales, reduced or vestigial mouthparts, and the absence of a frenulum. The family exhibits notable diversity in the Neotropics, with highest species richness in tropical and subtropical wooded regions. Many species produce silk cocoons, and several have significant economic or cultural importance.