Clemens' False Skeletonizer
Common NameClemens' False Skeletonizer
Scientific NameHarrisina americana
FamilyZygaenidae
SubfamilyProcridinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsblack, orange
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, vineyards
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantsgrape (Vitis spp.), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Flight PeriodMay to September (often two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are yellow with black spots and feed gregariously, skeletonizing leaves of host plants. They pupate in fuzzy cocoons on the host plant or nearby structures.
Identification TipsLook for its entirely black wings, slender body, and the bright orange or red collar behind the head. It is a day-flying moth often found near grapevines or Virginia creeper.
Description
A small, slender-bodied moth with solid black, slightly iridescent wings and a prominent orange or red band behind its head. Its antennae are distinctly bipectinate.
