Oakworm Moths (Anisota)

The oakworm moths are a genus of moths belonging to the Saturniid moth family. The name of this genus comes from the feeding pattern of the larvae, which mainly consume the leaves of oak trees.

List of Species in this Genus

• Orangestriped Oakworm Moth (Anisota senatoria)
• Spiny Oakworm Moth (Anisota stigma)
• Pink-striped Oakworm Moth (Anisota virginiensis)
• Manitoba Oakworm Moth (Anisota manitobensis) 
• Oslar’s Oakworm Moth (Anisota oslari)
• Yellowstriped Oakworm Moth (Anisota peigleri)
• Florida Oakworm Moth (Anisota consularis) 
• Anisota dissimilis 
• Anisota finlaysoni 
• Anisota kendallorum 
• Anisota leucostygma 
• Anisota assimilis
• Anisota punctata 

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

Most species have orange or pink stripes all over their body, with silvery dots. These larvae typically feed on the leaves of oak trees.

Scientific Classification

• Family: Saturniidae
• Genus: Anisota

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Adult Moth

Sexual Dimorphism: There are no prominent differences between males and females.

Color and Appearance

They are dark reddish-brown with two white eyespots on each wing when opened. When the wings are closed, their coloration acts as effective camouflage against predators.

Average wingspan: 4-7 cm

Flight pattern: Erratic

Season: Mid to late summer

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Pupa

After maturing, the caterpillars pupate and overwinter in this stage.

Egg

These moths lay eggs in clusters of 50-150.

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