Tricolor Buck Moth
Common NameTricolor Buck Moth
Scientific NameHemileuca tricolor
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilyHemileucinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsblack, white, reddish-brown
HabitatDesert scrub, chaparral, oak woodlands
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and northern Mexico
Host PlantsQuercus turbinella, Quercus emoryi, Quercus arizonica
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are spiny, black with yellow spots, and gregarious, feeding on oak leaves. Pupation occurs underground, and adults emerge in late summer to fall.
Identification TipsLook for the striking black and white banded wings with a small yellow spot on the forewing. The body is notably hairy with reddish-brown and white coloration. They are active during the day in the fall.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a very hairy, reddish-brown and white body. Its forewings are distinctly banded with broad black and white stripes, featuring a small yellow discal spot.
