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)
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
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.