Spotted Apatelodes Moth

Spotted Apatelodes Moth

Apatelodes torrefacta
SILKWORM MOTHS (Bombycidae)

Click on each photo thumbnail to enlarge.

The Spotted Apatelodes has a wingspan of approximately 1.5 inches. The forewing is gray marked with faint blackish lines and a square, black basal patch. A translucent dot near the apex is only obvious from the underside. The thorax has a thick, black band. The antennae are bipectinate to the tip in both sexes. The caterpillar is flattened and has very dense white hairs and prominent mid-dorsal black lashes. The abdominal prolegs are bright red or orange. It grows to 1.75 inches

 

The frequency of occurrence in this area is not known. One individual was photographed at Neale Woods in mid-June 2016. It is found in fields and woodlands from southern Ontario to Maine south to Florida and Texas. Adults are attracted to lights.

 

The larval host plants are many deciduous trees including ash, maple and oak. The larva usually pupates in a cell in the soil. It overwinters in the pupal stage.

 

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: Babs Padelford.