Spotted Apatelodes Moth
Apatelodes torrefacta
When resting, this moth curls its abdomen upward and tilts its wings, perfectly mimicking a scorched, crumpled dead leaf to fool predators.
- Scientific name
- Apatelodes torrefacta
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Lepidoptera › Apatelodidae › Apatelodes
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Deciduous forests, mixed woodlands, and nearby suburban gardens or parks.
- Diet
- Adults do not feed (lacking functional mouthparts); caterpillars feed on the foliage of deciduous trees including ash, cherry, maple, oak, and birch.
- Range
- Eastern United States, Southeastern Canada, Great Lakes Region, Texas
- Size
- Wingspan of 3.2 to 4.2 cm (1.25 to 1.65 inches).
- Lifespan
- Adults live only 7 to 12 days; the entire life cycle from egg to adult lasts approximately one year.
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Light pollution (which disrupts mating and navigation), widespread pesticide application, and loss of deciduous forest canopies.
- Safe to approach?
- Adult moths are completely harmless and can be observed safely at any distance. However, avoid handling the furry caterpillars directly; their long bristles can cause mild skin irritation or allergic reactions. If skin contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water, and use adhesive tape to pull out any embedded hairs.
Apatelodes torrefacta , or Spotted Apatelodes , is a species of moth in the Bombycidae or Apatelodidae (if this family is considered valid) family. It is found from Maine and southern Ontario to Florida, west to Texas, and north to Wisconsin.
Photo: Douglas Goldman, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
Plain-text version: /species/5bcdf626-65d1-4109-92eb-ed7c7e2316c2.md