#atteva

photograph by Alvin Francis Lok

The ailanthus webworm (Atteva aurea), seen in the above photographs feeding on Joe Pye weed, is a master mimic.  When at rest, this small, brilliantly-patterned moth resembles a beetle. When in flight, it resembles a wasp. Atteva aurea is an example of a non-native but naturalized species that expanded its range northward from the Central American tropics after an invasive larval host plant - tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) -  was introduced to North America in the mid-1800s. This lovely little moth poses no major problems for the native species in this area and is an effective pollinator - it’s also quite beautiful to look at.

Ailanthus webworm moth Atteva aurea

Ailanthus Webworm Moth on goldenrod (by me)

Alianthus webworm moth (Atteva aurea) with lovebugs.

(Ailanthus webworm moth, Atteva aurea)

Here’s a nice Ailanthus webworm moth (Atteva aurea) to brighten up your day.

Ailanthus Webworm Moth, Atteva aurea (by me)