Insect · GBIF taxon 1867022
Spiny Oakworm Moth
Anisota stigmaAlso known as Spiny Oakworm
Spiny oakworm moths display striking warm ochre to reddish-brown wings speckled with fine dark dots and marked by a bright white cell spot on each forewing. Caterpillars feature a pair of prominent long black horns behind the head and rows of short spines along their body, feeding together on oak foliage in late summer. Adults emerge with reduced mouthparts, living only a few days entirely dedicated to mating and egg laying.
NocturnalMothOak Woodland
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Oak leaves
- Chestnut leaves
- Hazel leaves
Predators
- Songbirds
- Bats
- Parasitoid wasps
ThreatsPesticide spraying, light pollution, habitat loss
HabitatsDeciduous forests, oak savannas, suburban woodlands
Life span1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilySaturniidae
- GenusAnisota
- SpeciesAnisota stigma
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Light Attraction: Look for adult moths near porch lights or illuminated walls on summer nights.
- Leaf Inspection: Search lower oak foliage in late summer to spot feeding caterpillar clusters.
- Gentle Observation: View caterpillars on branches rather than handling to avoid pricking from spines.
Host Plant (c) Alicia Ballard, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) David George, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Christine Young, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Family Member (c) Trevor Edmonson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Edmonson · cc-by
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Found in Collections
Species set
Moonlight Marvels
Spiny Oakworm Moth is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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