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Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth

Anisota senatoria

The Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth is a colorful moth with bright orange tips on its wings. It loves to flutter around oak trees and is a fun sight to see in gardens and forests.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth has striking yellow-orange forewings with reddish-brown markings, including a distinct white spot near the center. Its hindwings are typically a plainer reddish-orange. The moth's head and fuzzy body are yellowish, making it visually distinct from many other moths.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySaturniidaeGenusAnisota
Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth
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Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Adult moths do not have mouths to eat, living only on energy saved as caterpillars!

The spiky caterpillars often stand together in large, organized groups!

Their cocoons sometimes overwinter for two years before hatching!

This moth is part of the 'royal moth' family, known for bright colors and big sizes!

Special abilities

Ability

Oak Leaf Muncher

Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth caterpillars can eat tough oak leaves because of their strong mandibles that help them grow rapidly.

Ability

Underground Snoozer

Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth pupae can stay underground for over a year, helping them survive harsh conditions.

Ability

Odor Finder

Orange-tipped Oakworm Moths can smell chemicals released by female moths from far away, helping them find a mate.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
40-70 mm
Size
20-30 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Young caterpillars munch on oak leaves to grow; adult moths do not eat at all.

Age differences: Caterpillars are voracious leaf-eaters, but adult moths do not feed at all.

Primary Foods

  • Oak leaves (Quercus rubra)
  • Oak leaves (Quercus alba)
  • Oak leaves (Quercus velutina)

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Red Oak

Quercus rubra

Its caterpillars feast on its leaves.

hunts

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

Birds eat the caterpillars and moths.

parasitizes

Parasitic Wasp

Apanteles anisotae

Lays eggs inside the caterpillar hosts.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Moths are generally safe, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth's wingspan?

40-70 mm

How big is Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth?

20-30 mm

How long does Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth live?

7-14 days

What does Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth eat?

Young caterpillars munch on oak leaves to grow; adult moths do not eat at all.

Where is Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth usually found?

Forests

How does Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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