Ailanthus webworm moth
Common NameAilanthus webworm moth
Scientific NameAtteva aurea
FamilyAttevidae
SubfamilyAttevinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatUrban, suburban, and disturbed areas, woodlands, and forest edges where host plants are present.
Geographic RangeEastern North America, extending into parts of Central America and the Neotropics.
Host PlantsAilanthus altissima, Simarouba glauca, Picramnia pentandra, Cedrela odorata, Swietenia mahagoni, Rhus
Flight PeriodMultiple broods from April to October, depending on the region.
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are gregarious and spin silken webs on their host plants, feeding on leaves. They pupate within the web or in leaf litter, with multiple generations occurring annually.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its distinctive orange, black, and white striped wing pattern. Often found near its primary host plant, the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), where its larvae create conspicuous silken webs.
Description
A small, brightly colored moth with orange wings adorned with irregular black spots and prominent, wavy white transverse stripes. Its body is also orange with black markings.
