Southwestern Tent Caterpillar Moth
Common NameSouthwestern Tent Caterpillar Moth
Scientific NameMalacosoma incurva
FamilyLasiocampidae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, tan
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, deserts, chaparral, pinyon-juniper woodlands
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Nevada, California) and northern Mexico
Host Plantsoak, mesquite, acacia, desert willow, hackberry
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are social, constructing silken 'tents' in host plants for shelter, emerging to feed on leaves. Pupation occurs in cocoons, often on the host plant or nearby, before adults emerge.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive wavy, pale bands on reddish-brown forewings and the feathery antennae of males. Its range in the southwestern US and association with oak and other desert shrubs are key identifiers.
Description
A robust, medium-sized moth with a furry, light brown body and reddish-brown forewings featuring two prominent, wavy, pale cream or tan bands. The antennae are feathery, particularly in males.
