#alianthus webworm

[chameleocoonj]

Whoa! It's national moth week!! I gathered some photos I've taken at my own moth sheet and whipped up some quick character designs for a moth tea party.

I recorded a timelapse, too! You can check it out here!

[calosoma-amitch]

Alianthus webworm (Atteva aurea), Newark DE. August 2017. Once found only in southern Florida, the Alianthus webworm has made its way north thanks in part to the introduction of the Tree-of-Heaven (Alianthus altissima), a nonnative ornamental tree that has quickly become invasive in the eastern US. 

As a result, the Alianthus webworm can be found in cities and suburban areas from the southeast and into New England, and if you find it on your property, it is likely that Tree-of-Heaven plants are somewhere nearby. So, unfortunate to find it in my mothing event. 

Caterpillars form silky webs around the leaves of Tree-of-Heaven branches and feed on the tissues within.   

Multiple generations possible in the northeastern US, and increased summer temperatures may prolong the moth’s stay.

[calosoma-amitch]

Alianthus webworm (Atteva aurea), Newark DE. July 2017.  Although a very pretty moth, this small insect is a harbinger of bad news in the northeastern US. The Alianthus webworm could only be found in southern Florida until the introduction of the invasive plant, Tree-of-Heaven (Alianthus altissima). As the invasive plant escaped cultivation, the moth escaped with it, and can be found in cities and suburban areas throughout the eastern US.  If the moth if found on your property, it is likely that Tree-of-Heaven plants are somewhere nearby. 

Caterpillars form silky webs around the leaves of Tree-of-Heaven branches and feed on the tissues within.    Multiple generations possible in the northeastern US, and increased summer temperatures may prolong the moth’s stay. 

[stgrundy]

Ailanthus webworm (Atteva aurea)

Ailanthus webworm (Atteva aurea)

My wife Joyce, spotted this little bug on one of the sunflower plants that we were enjoying at Fausetts Farm.  Of course, since I was trying out my recently acquired macro lens, I had to get a few shots.  I am learning quickly how hard it is to get precise focus when hand-holding for a macro shot.  Maybe if my hands were steadier, it would not be so hard but, there’s not much I can do about that.…

View On WordPress