Dryocampa rubicunda

The function of the conspicuous pink and yellow coloration is completely unknown. Usually boldly marked insects are toxic or distasteful to birds or mimic something that is, but as far as is known, this one is not known to be toxic and no model for such mimicry exists.
Photo Credit: Andrea Janda
Dryocampa rubicunda
Common Name: rosy maple moth
Other Common Names: green-striped maple worm
Other Scientific Names: Anisota rubicunda
Animal Guild: Insect
Class > Order > Family: Insecta > Lepidoptera > Saturniidae
What does the species look like? The adult is almost unmistakable. A medium sized (1.25-2.3 inches) pink and yellow to white moth. The amount of pink in the outer portion of the forewing varies, but the basal third has at least some, while most of the middle third has none. The hindwing usually has some pink in the outer third. The body usually also has some pink. The only similar moth is the uncommon Hyparpax aurora, which is a bit smaller, with a small pink bar in the median part of the forewing, and the hindwings and abdomen are much whiter than the forewings. Males have much larger antennae than rosy maple moths have. Rosy maple moth caterpillars are about1.8-2.2 inches at maturity, green with paler stripes, small black tubercles, and two long thin "horns� on the front end.
Where is the species found?
States & Provinces
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, ON, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV
Distribution

This species ranges from Nova Scotia across southern Canada to southwestern Ontario, south to northeastern Texas and nearly all of Florida.

This is primarily a forest moth, but also occurs commonly in residential areas where silver maples are planted.
General Phenology and Life History The number of annual generations is uncertain in most of the range. Adults occur from mid May into August in Nova Scotia and late April through August in New Jersey. Adults are observable through most of April and May and again from late June to September in coastal South Carolina, from March to October in southern Louisiana, and occasionally as early as January in Florida. The eggs are laid in groups on maple leaves and hatch in about two weeks. Young caterpillars occur gregariously and mature in a bit over a month. The normal foodplants are red, silver, sugar, and other maples, but caterpillars have occasionally been found on oaks in the south. Larvae occasionally become numerous enough to defoliate shade trees, especially silver maples. Pupae overwinter in the soil. Adults come readily to lights in dark rural areas, and can be seen on gas stations and convenience store walls.
Which phenophases should I observe?
Do you see/hear...?
Activity Adults
One or more adults are seen or heard moving about or at rest.
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Reproduction Mating
A male and female are seen coupled in a mating position, usually end to end. This can occur at rest or in flight.

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Egg laying
A female is seen laying eggs on a plant or other surface. If possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field. For Dryocampa rubicunda, eggs are typically deposited on the underside of maple or occasionally oak leaves.

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Development Caterpillars
One or more caterpillars (larvae) are seen moving about or at rest. When seen on a plant, if possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field. For Dryocampa rubicunda, young caterpillars are pale yellow-green with faint green stripes along their sides and a black head. Older caterpillars are yellow-green with pale green, dark green, blue-green or black stripes along their body, a reddish-beige to bright red head, a pair of black tentacles and rows of short, black spines on their back and sides.

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Caterpillars feeding
One or more caterpillars are seen feeding. If possible, record the name of the species or substance being eaten or describe it in the comments field. For Dryocampa rubicunda, caterpillars feed on the leaves of maple and occasionally oak trees.

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Dead adults
One or more dead adults are seen.

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Dead caterpillars
One or more dead caterpillars are seen.

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Method Individuals at a light
One or more individuals are seen at a light, whether flying or at rest.

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Individuals in a net
One or more individuals are seen caught in a net.

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Individuals in a trap
One or more individuals are seen caught in a trap.

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What do these phenophases look like?

There is currently no photoguide available for this species. If you'd like help us create one, use the guidance document and species template provided here. Then send it via email to education@usanpn.org when it is complete.