Anisota virginiensis

Anisota virginiensis, the Pink-Striped Oakworm Moth, is a species of silk moth of the family Saturniidae.

Description

The female's wings are purplish red, blended with ochre-yellow, have thin scales, and are almost transparent. The male's wings are purplish brown with a large transparent space in the middle.^[2] The females are larger than the males. The moth's wing span 4.2 centimeters to 6.6 centimeters. The conservation of the moth is usually not required.^[3] The species is considered a pest of forests because it defoliates trees.^[4] Mating occurs in midmorning and extends to late morning. The males attract females by buzzing similar to a bee.^[5] Mating goes by fast. The male and female stay together for the rest of the day and then the female finds a place to lay eggs. The eggs are laid in clusters under oak leaves.^[5] If there is an outbreak of this species, an arsenical spray can be used.^[6]

Habitat

The moth can be found across Canada from Nova Scotia to southeastern Manitoba.^[5] The species can be found in deciduous woodland, suburbs, and tree-lined city streets.^[3]

Caterpillars

The caterpillars are gray or greenish with dull brownish yellow or rosy stripes. There are scales on each segment and two long spines on the mesothorax.^[2] The caterpillars pupate in a short time.^[5] They feed on the foliage of oak trees, maple trees, birch trees, and hazel trees. The caterpillar overwinters in the soil as a pupa. Caterpillars that are newly hatched or are in the middle of growing feed in groups while caterpillars that are in the late stage of growing or are fully grown feed separately.^[4] The head of the caterpillar is large in proportion to its body. The length of the caterpillar is one-eighth of an inch. The inside of the mouth is yellow. The legs are semi-translucent. The caterpillar is gregarious. The caterpillar moves from leaf to leaf and from twig to twig after they finish one leaf.^[7] Many full-grown caterpillars can be found together in late September.^[6]

References