Species Lochmaeus manteo - Variable Oakleaf Caterpillar Moth - Hodges#7998

7998

Lochmaeus manteo Doubleday, 1841

Wingspan 37-50 mm (1)

Larva: Caterpillar has variable pattern. Note large white stripe through eye. Details noted as diagnostic by Wagner: " Usually whitish subdorsal stripe edged with yellow above, although latter may be obscured by wine-red dorsal saddle. Paired warts on dorsum of A1 and A8 often red. Yellow spiracular stripoe strongest anteriorly, broken into spots both fore and aft. Black line on head often narrowly edged with white inwardly (and always outwardly)." L. bilineata caterpillar is similar, possibly indistinguishable.

Deciduous forests.

Adults on wing April-October (1)

Larva, June - October

Larvae feed on many deciduous trees, but especially oaks. (1)

Caution, larva can spray formic acid which is reported to cause blisters or severely irritate human skin. (1)

Covell, p. 334, plate 42 #16--adult (3)

Wagner, p. 58--caterpillar (4)