# Variable Oakleaf Caterpillar Moth

*Lochmaeus manteo*

The caterpillar is named 'variable' because its dorsal patterns can range from bright green to deep red and white, even within the same brood.

- **Taxonomy:** Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Lepidoptera › Notodontidae › Lochmaeus
- **IUCN Red List status:** Least Concern
- **Population trend:** stable
- **Biome:** forest
- **Habitat:** Deciduous and mixed forests containing oak, beech, and birch trees.
- **Diet:** Larvae consume foliage of oak, elm, and basswood; adults typically do not feed, focusing on reproduction.
- **Range:** Eastern United States, Southeastern Canada, Texas, Florida
- **Size:** Wingspan of 37 to 50 mm; larvae grow to about 40 mm.
- **Lifespan:** 1 year total life cycle; adults live approximately 7-14 days.
- **Active:** nocturnal
- **Threats:** Broad-spectrum pesticide application and significant loss of deciduous forest canopy.
- **Safe to approach?:** The adult moth is harmless and safe to observe. Use caution with the caterpillar stage, as it can spray irritating formic acid if handled. If skin or eye contact occurs, flush immediately with water.

## About

Lochmaeus manteo , the variable oakleaf caterpillar moth , is a moth of the Notodontidae family. It is found in eastern North America.

## Sources

- Plate: https://gaia-dex.com/species/5e1a38a6-7eb4-45c5-8604-3b367ac899fa
- iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/153443
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lochmaeus manteo
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List category, as recorded by Gaia-Dex
- Photo: https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/27439012/medium.jpeg (Laura Gaudette, CC-BY, via iNaturalist)

Habitat, diet, size and similar notes are AI-written summaries; check them against the linked sources before relying on them.