The rosy maple moth (Dryocampa rubicunda) is a small, nocturnal silk moth known for its distinctive pink and yellow coloration. Its vibrant hues and fuzzy appearance make it a popular subject for those interested in the natural world.
Identifying the Rosy Maple Moth
The rosy maple moth has key physical characteristics. Its wingspan typically ranges from 1.25 to 2.17 inches (3.2 to 5.5 cm), making it one of the smaller silk moths.
The coloration is highly variable, ranging from bright pink and yellow to cream or white. The forewings often display pink at the margins and bases, with a yellow or cream band across the middle, while hindwings are typically yellow. The moth’s body is covered in dense, fuzzy hairs, giving it a soft appearance. Males possess feathery, comb-like antennae, which they use to detect female pheromones, while females have simpler, more slender antennae.
Geographic Distribution and Preferred Habitats
The rosy maple moth is native to North America, primarily in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Its range extends from Nova Scotia and Quebec in the north, south along the Atlantic coast to Florida, and west through Minnesota and parts of Texas. These moths are closely associated with specific host trees for their life cycle.
Their primary host trees are various species of maple, including red maple (Acer rubrum), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), and silver maple (Acer saccharinum). They can also occasionally be found on oak trees, particularly turkey oaks (Quercus laevis). They thrive in environments where these trees are common, such as temperate deciduous forests. Rosy maple moths are also observed in suburban areas with mature trees, parks, and even urban gardens, as long as their host trees are present.
When and How to Spot Them
Rosy maple moths fly from late spring to early fall. In northern regions, they usually have one brood active from May to August, while warmer southern climates can experience two or even three broods from March or April through September or October. These moths are primarily nocturnal. They often fly during the first third of the night.
To observe them, look near outdoor lights, such as porch lights or streetlights, as they are attracted to light. During daylight hours, rosy maple moths typically rest on the leaves or trunks of their host maple trees, where their coloration can provide camouflage. Adult moths do not feed, relying on energy reserves from their larval stage, and are generally harmless and docile.