# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Forests ![Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Adult-anisota-senatoria-moth.jpg&width=800) Photo: Tom Nicholaides, CC BY-SA 1.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Adult-anisota-senatoria-moth.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Saturniidae - **Genus:** Anisota ## 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 - **Oak Leaf Muncher:** Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth caterpillars can eat tough oak leaves because of their strong mandibles that help them grow rapidly. - **Underground Snoozer:** Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth pupae can stay underground for over a year, helping them survive harsh conditions. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-bluebird) (*Sialia sialis*) — Birds eat the caterpillars and moths. - **Parasitizes:** Parasitic Wasp (*Apanteles anisotae*) — Lays eggs inside the caterpillar hosts. ## Traits - [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. - [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. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [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 generally safe, but it's best to watch them from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Orange-tipped Oakworm 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 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 ## Where to spot - [Burke Lake Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/burke-lake-park) — Virginia, US · Park - [Royal Lake Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/royal-lake-park) — Virginia, US · Park - [Russian Village Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/russian-village-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [South Britain Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/south-britain-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Greenwood Furnace State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/greenwood-furnace-state-park) — Pennsylvania, US · State Park - [Collingwood Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/collingwood-park) — Virginia, US · Park [View all places to see Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/orange-tipped-oakworm-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: [Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/orange-tipped-oakworm-moth)