National Moth Week 2023 - Rosy Maple Moth

The rosy maple moth, or Dryocampa rubicunda, is the diminutive member of the North American moth in the family Saturniidae, also known as the great silk moths. The species is known for its captivating cream or white to bright pink or yellow coloration and fuzzy body.

As the common name of the species implies, the preferred host trees are maple trees. Like all other Saturniid moths, the adult moths do not eat: their final metamorphose is to mate. Males have a wingspan of 3.2 to 4.4 centimeters (1.25-1.75 inches); females of 3.8 to 5 centimeters (1.5–2 inches). Adult females lay yellow ovular eggs in groups of 10 to 40 on the underside of maple leaves within 24 hours of mating and eggs hatch after two weeks.

The emerging caterpillars are known as the greenstriped mapleworm- a befitting description since they have a green body striped with greenish-bluish shades. Caterpillars have five instars; earlier stages have larger black-colored heads and pale yellow-green bodies with faint stripes. They mainly feed on the leaves of their host maple trees, particularly red maple (Acer rubrum), silver maple (Acer saccharinum), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), and box elder maples (Acer negundo). All aforementioned maples are Florida native trees. In large numbers, rosy maples can strip entire trees completely of leaves. The author would like to allay any concerns as this is merely a short term cosmetic occurrence that the tree will rebound from.

Rosy maple moths can live for two to nine months, with the higher end spent as overwintering pupae in northern states. Rosy maple moths are not harmful to humans. They don’t bite, sting, or otherwise cause harm when touched. Be confident in identifying any moth or caterpillar before handling as a few are venomous.

"Discover beauty beyond butterflies"- Mark Kateli

Come celebrate moth awareness week collaboratively with National Moth Week and Florida Native Plant Society. Like and share your own experiences with us.

Images courtesy of Andy Reago and Chrissy McClarren

Caption provided by FNPS President, Mark Kateli

Instagram: @markkateli | Facebook: Mark Kateli


#mothweek #fnps #dryocamparubicunda #rosymaplemoth #greenstripedmapleworm

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