Tread not on this caterpillar
Caterpillars are young insects that become either butterflies or moths. The spiny, yet beautiful, caterpillar pictured today is that of the equally attractive buckmoth (Hemileuca maia). The eggs of this species hatch in late spring and the caterpillars are at first gregarious, but by the time they near full growth of 2-inches (5-cm) they wander alone, somewhat protected by venonmous spines. In the wild this species feeds on the leaves of oaks, especially those adapted to dry habitats. By late August the buckmoth caterpillars are looking for places to hide as they develop into the pupal stage. The adults emerge in late September and fly for a few weeks on warm autumn days. It is not a nocturnal species. The common name comes from the fact that the adults are on the wing when the male, white-tailed deer are in rut.
The
buckmoth is a rare species in Pennsylvania. One of its habitats is an
important pitch pine-scrub oak barrens on State Game Lands in Centre County.
WPC is presently working with land managers there to protect and enhance
its habitats.
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