Black Hylesia Moth
Common NameBlack Hylesia Moth
Scientific NameHylesia nigricans
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilyHemileucinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsdark brown, reddish brown
HabitatForests, rural areas, urban parks, agricultural zones
Geographic RangeSouth America (Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay)
Host PlantsPlatanus, Robinia, Populus, Salix, Quercus, Eucalyptus
Flight PeriodNovember to May (Southern Hemisphere)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in masses, and larvae are gregarious, covered in urticating hairs that can cause dermatitis. Pupation occurs in cocoons.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its uniform dark brown coloration with faint transverse lines on the forewings, robust hairy body, and prominent bipectinate antennae in males. Females possess urticating hairs on the abdomen.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with dark brown, somewhat uniform wings featuring faint darker transverse lines. Its body is densely covered in dark, hairy scales, and males have prominent bipectinate antennae.
