Ailanthus Defoliator
Common NameAilanthus Defoliator
Scientific NameAtteva aurea
FamilyYponomeutidae
SubfamilyAttevinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsorange, black, blue-green, white
HabitatUrban areas, woodlands, disturbed habitats, often near Tree-of-Heaven
Geographic RangeNorth America (eastern US), Central America, Caribbean
Host PlantsTree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
Flight PeriodMay to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are gregarious leaf-webbers, feeding on the leaves of their host plants within silken webs. The species typically has multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the striking contrast between the dark forewings with a pale edge and the vibrant orange hindwings with an iridescent blue-green patch. The orange abdomen with black spots is also distinctive.
Description
This moth features dark forewings with a pale costal margin, contrasting sharply with bright orange hindwings that display a metallic blue-green patch. Its abdomen is orange with a series of prominent black spots.
