Burns' Buckmoth
Common NameBurns' Buckmoth
Scientific NameHemileuca burnsi
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilyHemileucinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorscream, black, orange
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, sagebrush scrub
Geographic RangeWestern North America (California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Arizona)
Host PlantsArtemisia tridentata, Artemisia nova, Artemisia arbuscula
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are spiny and feed gregariously on sagebrush species. They pupate in the soil, and adults emerge in late summer or early fall.
Identification TipsLook for the creamy white wings with bold black wavy lines and the unique black reniform spot with an orange center. The fuzzy white body with a reddish dorsal stripe is also a key feature.
Description
This moth has creamy white wings adorned with prominent black wavy lines and a distinctive black reniform spot with an orange or yellow center on the forewings. Its body is fuzzy white with a reddish-brown dorsal stripe.
