Eastern Buck Moth
Common NameEastern Buck Moth
Scientific NameHemileuca maia
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilyHemileucinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, white, orange
HabitatOpen woodlands, oak barrens, pine barrens, scrublands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from New England south to Florida, west to Texas and Oklahoma
Host Plantsoak
Flight PeriodOctober to December
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in masses on host plant twigs and overwinter, hatching in spring. Larvae are spiny, black caterpillars that feed communally on oak leaves. Pupation occurs in underground chambers, with adults emerging in late fall.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive black and white wing pattern, its diurnal flight during late fall, and the reddish-orange banding on its fuzzy black abdomen. Larvae are spiny and black, found on oak trees.
Description
A robust, medium-sized moth with velvety black wings featuring prominent white or cream-colored patches and small yellow eyespots, and a fuzzy black body with reddish-orange bands on the abdomen.
