Northern Herpetogramma
Herpetogramma aquilonalis
As caterpillars, they act as skilled architects, spinning silk to roll and tie fern fronds into protective shelter tubes where they can feed in safety.
- Scientific name
- Herpetogramma aquilonalis
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Lepidoptera › Crambidae › Herpetogramma
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Moist deciduous forests, shaded woodland understories, and riparian zones near wetlands.
- Diet
- Larvae feed on ferns (especially the sensitive fern, Onoclea sensibilis); adults feed on wildflower nectar.
- Range
- North America, Eastern United States, Southeastern Canada
- Size
- Wingspan of 21 to 25 mm
- Lifespan
- Up to 1 year (mostly spent as larvae and pupae; adults live for only 1 to 2 weeks)
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Habitat destruction, pesticide runoff, and loss of native understory vegetation.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. This delicate moth poses no threat to humans and has no sting or venom. You can safely observe it from any distance. If it lands on you, enjoy the moment or gently nudge it to encourage it to fly away.
Herpetogramma aquilonalis is a species of pearl moth in the family Crambidae. Their wingspan is on average 23-27 mm and are generally white with grey or brown markings....
Photo: Ben Keen, CC0, via iNaturalist
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