Anisota virginiensis, the pink-striped oakworm moth, is a species of silk moth of the family Saturniidae.

The female's wings are purplish red with ochre-yellow. They have thin scales and are almost transparent. The male's wings are purplish brown with a large transparent space in the middle. The female is larger than the male. The wing span is 4.2 to 6.6 centimeters.

Description

Females release a pheromone which attracts males that swarm around her like bees. Mating occurs during the morning. It is a rapid process. The male and female stay together for the rest of the day and then the female finds a place to lay eggs, usually under oak leaves. Such mating swarms have been observed at carrion, where host plants may be higher quality due to the influx of nutrients associated with decomposition.
 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. The caterpillars pupate for a short time. They feed on the foliage of oak trees, maples, birches, and hazels. 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 those that are mature or nearly so feed separately. The caterpillar is about an eighth of an inch long. The head is large in proportion to the body. The inside of the mouth is yellow. The legs are semi-translucent.

Biology

Conservation regimes are not required for this species. It is considered a pest of forests because it defoliates trees. Outbreaks can be treated with an arsenical spray.

Ecology

harmful

Anisota virginiensis, commonly known as the yellow-necked caterpillar, is considered a tree pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of various tree species, causing defoliation and potentially impacting the health and growth of the trees.

tree pest

Anisota virginiensis can be considered garden pests because their larvae have a voracious appetite for foliage, including plants commonly found in gardens, which can lead to defoliation and damage to ornamental plants and vegetables.

garden pest

Anisota virginiensis can be considered crop pests because their larvae feed on the leaves of various tree species, including fruit trees, which can result in defoliation and reduced crop yield.

crop pest

Anisota virginiensis is considered a pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of trees, including fruit trees, causing defoliation and potentially impacting the health and productivity of the trees, as well as damaging ornamental plants and vegetables in gardens.

google-play-not-available-title

How long does it take for pink striped oakworm moth larvae to develop?

More questions