# Ailanthus Webworm Moth (*Atteva aurea*) The Ailanthus Webworm Moth is a colorful little moth with bright yellow and black stripes. It loves to flutter around trees and is often seen in gardens during warm months. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 27 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Ailanthus Webworm Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Webworm_Moth-27527-1.jpg&width=800) Photo: Ken Thomas, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Webworm_Moth-27527-1.jpg) ## Appearance The Ailanthus Webworm Moth has striking yellowish-orange wings adorned with iridescent blue-black spots and stripes, giving it a jewel-like appearance. Its slender body and long antennae contribute to its distinct, almost wasp-like look, making it easily distinguishable. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Attevidae - **Genus:** Atteva ## Interesting facts - Its caterpillar can eat so much it completely defoliates an entire tree! - The vibrant colors of this moth warn predators to stay away, like a secret code! - This moth's larvae live together inside silken webs on their host plant. - Unlike many moths, the Ailanthus Webworm Moth is active and flies during the daytime. ## Special abilities - **Wasp Whisperer:** Ailanthus Webworm Moths have bright, contrasting patterns that help them mimic wasps, deterring predators who mistake them for stinging insects. - **Silk Architect:** Ailanthus Webworm Moth larvae can spin protective silk webs around their food source, which helps them stay safe from birds and other threats. - **Toxic Taster:** Ailanthus Webworm Moth caterpillars consume toxins from host plants, making them unpalatable to many predators that might try to eat them. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 25-35 mm - **Size:** 10-15 mm - **Lifespan:** 15-30 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Larvae munch on tree leaves while adults sip sweet nectar from various flowers. - **Age differences:** Larvae (caterpillars) chew on leaves, while adult moths sip flower nectar. - **Primary Foods:** Ailanthus altissima leaves, Flower nectar - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Depends on:** Tree of Heaven (*Ailanthus altissima*) — Larvae exclusively feed on its leaves for growth. - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Moths and caterpillars are a food source for birds. - **Parasitizes:** A Braconid Wasp (*Apanteles atrevi*) — Wasp larvae develop inside the moth's caterpillar host. ## Traits - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Web Builder](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/web-builder): This trait characterizes organisms that construct elaborate silken webs for catching prey, shelter, or reproduction. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Moths are usually safe to watch, but don't touch them as they can be delicate. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Ailanthus Webworm Moth? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Ailanthus Webworm Moth's wingspan? 25-35 mm ### How big is Ailanthus Webworm Moth? 10-15 mm ### How long does Ailanthus Webworm Moth live? 15-30 days ### What does Ailanthus Webworm Moth eat? Larvae munch on tree leaves while adults sip sweet nectar from various flowers. ### Where is Ailanthus Webworm Moth usually found? Urban areas ### How does Ailanthus Webworm Moth hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Ailanthus Webworm Moth have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Audubon Place Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/audubon-place-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Brandon Road Lock and Dam](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/brandon-road-lock-and-dam) — Illinois, US · Historic Site - [Crapo Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/crapo-park) — Iowa, US · Botanical Garden - [Downtown Tuscaloosa Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/downtown-tuscaloosa-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Fort Brown](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-brown) — US · Historic Site - [Fort Payne Boom Town Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-payne-boom-town-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District [View all places to see Ailanthus Webworm Moth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/ailanthus-webworm-moth) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Ailanthus Webworm Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/ailanthus-webworm-moth)