Skunk Moth
Common NameSkunk Moth
Scientific NameAtteva aurea
FamilyYponomeutidae
SubfamilyAttevinae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, yellow
HabitatUrban areas, disturbed sites, woodlands, and gardens where its host plant, Tree-of-Heaven, is present.
Geographic RangeNative to Florida and the Caribbean, but now widely distributed across eastern North America, extending into parts of the Midwest and Canada, wherever its host plant grows.
Host PlantsTree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
Flight PeriodMultiple broods from spring (April-May) through fall (September-October) in most of its range.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are gregarious webworms, feeding communally within silken webs on the leaves of their host plant. They pupate in cocoons spun within these webs or in leaf litter, with multiple generations occurring annually.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its distinctive black and yellow/cream striped wing pattern, which resembles a skunk's markings. Often seen flying during the day or resting on vegetation, particularly near its primary host, the invasive Tree-of-Heaven.
Description
A small, slender moth characterized by its dark, mottled black wings adorned with a prominent, irregular cream or yellow stripe running longitudinally down the center of each forewing.
