Insect · GBIF taxon 1867029
Orange-tipped Oakworm Moth
Anisota senatoriaAlso known as Orangestriped Oakworm Moth, Orange-striped Oakworm
Orange-tipped Oakworm Moths are striking woodland insects best known for their bold, black-and-orange striped caterpillars that feed in communal groups on oak foliage. Adult females lay eggs in clusters on the undersides of leaves, where young larvae emerge to feed gregariously before pupating underground in soil chambers. Because the heavy feeding occurs in late summer just before natural leaf drop, infested oak trees typically recover fully without long-term damage.
MothCaterpillarNative
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Oak Leaves
Predators
- Songbirds
- Parasitoid Wasps
- Tachinid Flies
ThreatsParasitoid wasps, tachinid flies, extreme weather, and targeted pesticide spraying.
HabitatsDeciduous forests, oak woodlands, suburban parks, and wooded neighborhoods.
Life span1 year (adults live 3–7 days; caterpillars feed 1–2 months).
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilySaturniidae
- GenusAnisota
- SpeciesAnisota senatoria
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans and pets; safe to observe closely.
Responsible observation
- Look on Oaks: Search oak branches in late summer to spot clusters of black-and-orange caterpillars.
- Check Tree Trunks: Search lower oak trunks during midsummer mornings for resting adult moths.
- Observe Safely: Handle caterpillars gently, as their prominent flexible horns are harmless.
Host Plant (c) Alicia Ballard, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Close Relative (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug · cc-by
Close Relative (c) David George, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Found in Collections
Species set
Moonlight Marvels
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