Range Caterpillar Moth
Common NameRange Caterpillar Moth
Scientific NameHemileuca oliviae
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilyHemileucinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Primary Colorspale yellow, tan, brown
HabitatArid grasslands, rangelands, desert scrub
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas) and northern Mexico
Host Plantsblue grama, hairy grama, other range grasses
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in masses on grass stems in late summer/fall, overwinter, and hatch in spring. Caterpillars are black with branched spines and feed gregariously on grasses, pupating underground in late summer.
Identification TipsKey features include its pale, somewhat translucent wings with a single yellow discal spot, furry body, and its diurnal flight in arid grasslands of the Southwest. Caterpillars are black and spiny.
Description
A medium-sized, day-flying moth with a very furry, light brown body and pale, somewhat translucent yellowish-tan wings, each forewing bearing a prominent yellow discal spot.
