Red-backed Buck Moth
Common NameRed-backed Buck Moth
Scientific NameHemileuca rubridorsa
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilyHemileucinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, orange, red
HabitatDry open woodlands, shrublands, chaparral
Geographic RangeWestern North America (e.g., Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, Idaho)
Host PlantsCeanothus spp.
Flight PeriodSeptember to November
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in masses on host plants, larvae are spiny and gregarious, pupation occurs in the soil, and adults emerge in the fall.
Identification TipsKey features include the greyish-brown wings with strong orange/red veins, a reddish dorsal stripe on the thorax, and its fall flight period. It is often found in association with Ceanothus host plants.
Description
A medium-sized, very hairy moth with mottled greyish-brown wings featuring prominent orange or reddish-brown veins and a lighter subterminal band; the thorax often has a distinctive reddish dorsal stripe.
