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Ailanthus Webworm Moth (Atteva aurea)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Ailanthus Webworm Moth


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The skinny, orange Ailanthus Webworm Moth looks more like a flower beetle thanks to its colorful pattern, tightly closed wings, and appreciation for the flowers of its namesake.



Updated: 08/12/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
The definitive coloring and stripes on this moth make it unique among Webworm Moths. Bright orange wings are spotted with clusters of white dots ringed in black. They tuck and roll their wings close to their bodies when resting, as opposed to spreading them out or letting them lay flat against themselves. They are very thin as well, so they might look more like a flower beetle than a moth.

They are members of the Ermine moth family. Once a female lays her eggs in her old cocoon (for protection), she dies. Only one generation of moths lives every year. The eggs overwinter in their case and emerge as caterpillars in the spring. Larvae create and share a web on leaves and branches of the Ailanthus tree, also called Tree of Heaven. The web protects and holds the wormy larvae on the tree while they feed on the leaves. Though the moth is named after one type of tree, a variety of plants and shrubs are food for this caterpillar. Other host trees come from the Simarouba genus, a group of leafy shrubs like the Paradise Tree that are found in more tropical climes . The webs these caterpillars make are unattractive and therefore this species can be an unsightly pest, especially in plant nurseries.

Ailanthus Webworm Moths are migratory, spending winter in the southern part of their range. Adults are active in the daytime and can be seen from early spring in warmer regions through autumn in northern regions. They are considered good pollinators. Larvae and their webs are usually seen on plants in late summer and autumn.
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General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Flying insect icon
Patterned insect icon
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Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Lepidoptera
        Family: Yponomeutidae
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          Genus: Atteva
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            Species: aurea

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Atteva aurea
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 18mm to 30mm (0.70" to 1.18")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: orange; white; black
Descriptors: long; flying; skinny; tubular; thin; spots; rings; dots; pest


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 18mm (0.7in) and 30mm (1.2in)
Lo: 18mm
Md: 24mm
Hi: 30mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
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Alaska  
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Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Ailanthus Webworm Moth may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Ailanthus Webworm Moth. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
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