AILANTHUS WEBWORM MOTH
- Scientific name: Atteva punctella
- The ailanthus webworm moth belongs to the YPONOMEUTIDAE family. Members of this family
are commonly known as Ermine Moths.
- Physical Description:
- These moths are relatively small with a wingspan of 1 1/8". Their forewings are orange
with yellow spots outlined in black, and they are easily noticed because of these bright colors.
- Range and habitat:
- Ailanthus Webworms are found from New York south to Florida and west to Nebraska and Texas.
They are considered very common and can be seen in their range between Spring and late Fall.
Larvae typically feed on ailanthus trees, which are an introduced species, commonly known as
the Tree of Heaven. These trees thrive in poor soil and are often found along roadsides,
abandoned lots, and backyards like ours.
- Social structure:
- Larvae of this species spin webs in
leaf litter or on the leaves of trees on which they feed. Pupae also spin loose webs which
are suspended from the trees. Adults begin to emerge from their cocoons in late Spring.
- Other links/photos:
-
Clemson University
University of Oklahoma
© 1998-2002Troy Bartlett
Photo used with permission
If you have any questions about this Web site, please contact
A. Koenig at amk979@pitt.edu