#atteva

[herpsandbirds]

Atteva Moth (Atteva sp.), family Attevidae, Tangkoko National Park, Indonesia

photograph by Alvin Francis Lok

[vandaliatraveler]

The ailanthus webworm (Atteva aurea), seen in the above photographs feeding on Joe Pye weed, is a master mimic.  When at rest, this small, brilliantly-patterned moth resembles a beetle. When in flight, it resembles a wasp. Atteva aurea is an example of a non-native but naturalized species that expanded its range northward from the Central American tropics after an invasive larval host plant - tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) -  was introduced to North America in the mid-1800s. This lovely little moth poses no major problems for the native species in this area and is an effective pollinator - it’s also quite beautiful to look at.

[dreams-in-daylight]

First moth of October!

Ailanthus webworm moth Atteva aurea

[dendroica]

Ailanthus Webworm Moth on goldenrod (by me)

[that-crazy-scorpio-man]

Alianthus webworm moth (Atteva aurea) with lovebugs.

[coolbugs]

Bug of the Day

A reminder that somehow, somewhere, there is tree of heaven nearby...

(Ailanthus webworm moth, Atteva aurea)

[coolbugs]

Bug of the Day

Here’s a nice Ailanthus webworm moth (Atteva aurea) to brighten up your day.

[dendroica]

Ailanthus Webworm Moth, Atteva aurea (by me)