Spiny/ Manitoba Oakworm Moths
Anisota stigma (Fabricius, 1775) and/or A. manitobensis McDunnough, 1921
Family: Saturniidae
Status: Extremely rare resident(s).
Range: Most records of Spiny Oakworm Moths are from east of the Mississippi River and from Oklahoma and Texas. The very few Manitoba Oakworm Moth records indicate a more northerly distribution (Canada). The Nebraska record is the only one from the United States.
Larval Hostplant(s): Oaks (Quercus sp.). Lindens (Tilia) has also been cited.
NENHP Ranking: Not listed.
Broods/Flight Times: One midsummer flight.
Habitat: Deciduous woodlands
Avg. Wingspan: Approximately 1 3/4 Inches.
Found at: Niobrara Valley Preserve.
Overwintering: As pupa on or under the soil surface.
Similar Species: The Spiny Oakworm has dark speckling and lacks the prominent pink shading of manitobensis.
Notes: While frequently listed as separate species in literature, Dr. James Tuttle (co-author of The Wild Silkmoths of North America) is of the opinion that further research is needed to validate this position. (personal communication)
🔗Links: Moth Photographers Group (stigma), Moth Photographers Group (manitobensis), BugGuide.net (stigma), BugGuide.net (manitobensis).
