Dot-lined White

The furry and friendly Dot-lined White Moth can be found on some commonly grown plants in the American South.

White and furry caterpillars feed on the leaves of oak and cherry trees as well as rose bushes. These host plants are grown all over the region, so a healthy food supply is always available. Adult moths are also furry and bright white. Rows of small black dots curve across the wings. These lines of black dots almost resemble the holes in a colander or sieve. A black and white checkered border runs along the bottoms of the wings. Males have orange antennae that have comb-like teeth.

This hairy moth is nocturnal, but is attracted to lights at night. Look for them from spring through autumn in these warmer states.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Lasiocampidae

Genus: Artace

Species: cribrarius

Identifying Information

Scientific Name: Artace cribrarius

Category: Butterfly or Moth

Size (Adult; Length): 14mm to 31mm (0.55in to 1.21in)

Colors: black, white

Descriptors: black dots, rows, hairy thorax, comb, orange antennae, flurry legs, flying

Territorial Map

Alaska

Hawaii

Prince Edward Is.

Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic

Territorial Reach (A-to-Z)

Newfoundland and Labrador

Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.

Butterfly and Moth Anatomy

Graphic showing basic anatomy of a common North American butterfly and moth insect

Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.

Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.

Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.

Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.

Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.

Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.

NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.

Dot-lined White (Artace cribrarius)

The furry and friendly Dot-lined White Moth can be found on some commonly grown plants in the American South.