GRAPELEAF SKELETONIZER MOTH

GRAPELEAF SKELETONIZER MOTH

Harrisina americana
LEAF SKELETONIZER FAMILY (Zygeaenidae)

Click on each photo thumbnail to enlarge.

This moth has a wingspan of 3/4 to 1 1/8 inches and, the body length from head to tip of abdomen is 5/8 inch. It is all black except for a complete orange collar around the neck. The black wings are narrow and are held spread out when the moth is at rest. The antennae are plumose in males. The very simliar Orange-collared Scape Moth is larger and usually has wings folded when at rest. The caterpillar is approximately 5/8 inch when mature, and has 10 bright yellow bands and 10 black bands. The black bands have short, black hairs. There are sparse long, white hairs at both ends of the body.

 

The frequency of occurrence of this moth in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods is not known, but it is probably common. It has been seen in the Wetlands Learning Center garden and around the plaza at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in late July. The adults are nocturnal and diurnal and are also attracted to lights. They can be seen nectaring at flowers.

 

Host plants are grapes, amphelopsis, redbud and Virginia creeper. The caterpillars feed in groups on the undersides of leaves in early instars and are solitary by the last instar. The pupa overwinters in a cocoon spun among fallen leaves at the base of the foodplant.

 

Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.