Species Insects & ArthropodsBuck Moth

Buck Moth

Hemileuca maia

UncommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia)

The Buck Moth is a day-flying silkmoth with striking black-and-white banded wings and a red-tipped abdomen, flying in autumn when male white-tailed deer are in rut. Its caterpillars are gregarious and bear branched, stinging spines that can cause painful skin irritation. Adults are strong fliers, active in sunny oak woodlands on fall afternoons.

Habitat
Oak scrub, sand barrens, and pine flatwoods
Diet
Larvae: oaks. Adults: do not feed
How common
Uncommon

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