Home / Saturniidae Moths (Saturniidae) / Pink-striped Oakworm Moth (Anisota virginiensis)

Pink-striped Oakworm Moth (Anisota virginiensis)

The pink-striped oakworm moth is a saturniid moth found in North America. British entomologist Dru Drury first described this species in 1773.

Pink Striped Oakworm Moth

objects.liquidweb.services

Scientific Classification


  • Family: Saturniidae
  • Genus: Anisota
  • Scientific Name: Anisota virginiensis

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

Larvae are a greenish-brown or gray covered in rosy or brownish yellow stripes, resulting in its name. There are long, pink stripes stretching from head to rear, which give it its name. Each segments have scales, while the mesothorax have two long spines, running across.

Pink Striped Oakworm Moth Caterpillar

2.bp.blogspot.com

Pupa

After maturing, the larvae overwinter in the soil, and pupates for a short span of time.

Pink Striped Oakworm Moth Pupa

mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu

Adult Moth

Sexual Dimorphism: Present. Females appear larger than males, and both also have visible physical differences.

Males have a translucent patch, which females lack and are slightly darker than their counterparts. Females are attracted to lights at night, while the males are diurnal.

Color and Appearance: When the wings are opened, they are different shades of purple. White spots can be seen on both wings. When the wings are closed, the spots remain visible.

Average wingspan: 4.2-6.6 cm

Flight pattern: Erratic

Season: May-September

Anisota virginiensis

i.pinimg.com

Egg

Eggs are laid below the leaves of the host plants.

Pink Striped Oakworm Moth Eggs

bugguide.net

Quick Facts

DistributionCanada and the United States
HabitatDeciduous woods
Lifespan of AdultsAbout a month
Host PlantsDifferent types of oaks
Adult DietDoes not feed

Did You Know

  • Male pink-striped oakworm moths may be mistaken for bees at an initial glance.
Pink Striped Oakworm Moth Picture

blog.irontreeservice.com

Pink Striped Oakworm Moth Image

ipernity.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *