Species · GBIF taxon 1865862
Rosy Maple Moth
Dryocampa rubicundaAlso known as Greenstriped Mapleworm Moth
Rosy maple moths are vibrant, woolly insects easily recognized by their striking pink and yellow coloration, which mimics the seeds of the maple trees they frequent. Active primarily at night, these small silk moths do not feed as adults, relying entirely on energy stored during their caterpillar stage. Females release pheromones from the ground or tree trunks, which males detect using their highly sensitive, feathery antennae.
NocturnalColorfulDeciduous Forests
Licensed referenceAndy Reago & Chrissy McClarren / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
- diet
- Adults do not feed; caterpillars eat maple and oak leaves
- family
- Saturniidae
- threats
- Light pollution, habitat fragmentation, and pesticide use
- life Span
- 2 to 10 months
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Check Porch Lights: Look near outdoor light fixtures early in the morning where they often rest after being drawn to the glow.
- Look on Maples: Search the undersides of maple leaves for their tiny, yellow eggs in late spring.
- Observe Antennae: Notice the feathery antennae on males, used to sniff out female pheromones.