Other Common Names
Green-striped Mapleworm (caterpillar)
Explanation of Names
Author of the genus is Harris, 1833. Dryo is Greek for "oak tree". Campa is Latin for bell. Species name rubicunda is Latin for "somewhat ruddy". (Based on Internet searches.)
Identification
Distinctive pink and cream-colored moth. If it weren't so common, it would generate greater excitement--it is so beautiful. Light-colored individuals are called subspecies alba.
Caterpillar "green with pale blue-green to frosty stripes and promionent black horns issuing from T2; integument roughened.Black sorsal, subdorsal and subspiracular spines reduced, with longest found in subspiracular row. Head beige to orage-brown. frequessntly with subspiracular rosy patch beneath spiracle on A7 and A8."
(1)Range
Eastern North America, including most of Florida.
Season
May-August in north (one brood), April-September in south (2-3 broods).
Life Cycle
Hostplants are maples, Acer, or oaks, Quercus. Eggs are laid in clusters of 10-30 on foliage. Early instars are gregarious. Overwinters as pupa, below ground. Adults come to lights readily.
See Also
Two unrelated moths have a similar pink and cream pattern:
Pink Prominent--Hyparpax aurora, and
Primrose Moth--Schinia florida.
Other moths in the same
family have similar horned larvae
Print References
Tuskes, pp. 80-82, plates 10--adult, 2--larva
(2)
Covell p. 46, plate 8
(3)
Himmelman, pp. 80-81, plate A-5
(5)
Milne, p. 773, fig. 572
(6)Internet References
Lynn Scott--shows nearly white northern population from Canada
MIACY--essay and reflections by John Himmelman.
Contributed by
Cotinis on 16 February, 2004 - 12:32pm
Additional contributions by
Hannah Nendick-MasonLast updated 20 September, 2006 - 10:07am
