Buck moth

Mature Hemileuca maia are characterized by having a dark gray to almost black coloring with a noticeable white band that forms across each wing and a very unique eyespot on the band. Adult moths have a wingspan of about 2 to 3 inches with a body size of about 6 cm in length however, males tend to be smaller than the females in the species. All buck moths have black legs with these small red cuffs around the top of the leg that is attached to the body segment. Young buck moth caterpillars are completely black in color with the spiracles (these are small holes that act as an opening to their respiratory system) appearing as pale brown color with a black edge. On the other hand, the more adult/older caterpillars appear a lot lighter than the youth with some even looking to be white in appearance. The most prevalent feature on the Hemileuca maia caterpillars are the spines which they use as a defense mechanism against potential predators or in dangerous situations. These spines are located everywhere on both old and young caterpillars however, the spines that are on the top of the caterpillar are longer, more abundant and organized in specific rows. Fully grown caterpillars can reach a length of 2.5 inches and will use their small legs to move down to the ground where they will prepare to undergo metamorphosis into the adult buck moth. == Life cycle ==

Adult Hemileuca maia will go through one generation a year that starts in the fall (typically October-November) when adult male moths will fly and mate with a female. The females will lay about 150 eggs per generation and will deposit them on a host branch in a tight-knit ring. Once the caterpillars (larvae) reach their end instar stage they will pupate either in forest floor debris or by weaving a cocoon however the latter is more uncommon. These buck moths can pupate for up to two years as they wait to emerge into an adult moth. Once they emerge their only purpose is to find a mate and reproduce for the next generation which is further evident by their lack of mouthparts as adults rendering them unable to feed. The life cycle will then commence for the next generation. == Habitat ==

Buck moths are found to be the most abundant in habitats that contain large oak forests whether that be in the more northern parts of the Eastern United States or as far south as the gulf of Florida. Some Buck moths have been found as far west as Wisconsin and Texas but predominately they are found on the east coast. This moth species prefers to live in flourishing oak forests rather than the ever increasing fragmented forests seen in the northeastern portions of the country. Since the buck moth's habitat centers around oak forests, this species is at an increased risk of habitat loss due to the effects of deforestation and the use of fire suppression methods that often employ chemicals and preventative burning techniques. In their more northern locations, buck moths reside in a specific type of oak known as scrub oak which is a high value food source of their caterpillar form. These moths are found to be the most active in their habitats during the summertime months but will become active during warm periods in the fall months as the females find a mating partner. Buck moths not only use oaks as a place to live but this plant also serves as the main food source of this moth as they prefer eating oak species. == Behavior ==

Hemileuca maia are typically the most active during the day when they focus heavily on the reproduction of the next generation of buck moths. As adults, Buck moths do not have mouthparts for feeding and therefore their focus is mostly on mating and laying eggs and so their behavior centers around their reproduction needs. Males will fly throughout the day with very few to no breaks as they search for a mating partner. Once hatched, the larva will feed in a social cluster until they reach their instar larval phase at which point they will detach from the other larvae and feed independently. Interestingly enough, once the buck moths hatch from their eggs they exhibit a marching-like behavior as they choose to follow one leader in the group in a straight line. There is an increasing number of patients each season that get stung by these larval moths with many patients seeing medical providers for dermatitis, or swelling and inflammation of the skin. The increased prevalence of these reported stings is an additional effect caused by the movement of buck moths to more urban locations due to the deforestation occurring in their normal habitats. == Predators and parasites==

Buck moths have a number of predators and parasites. Parasitoids such as the tachinid flies Compsilura concinnata and Leschenaultia flavipes, the ichneumonid wasp Hyposoter fugitivus and the braconid wasp Meteorus autographae attack buck moth caterpillars. A nuclear polyhedrosis virus infects and kills the moth's caterpillars during their first and fourth instars. The virus embeds itself in the caterpillar's epidermis, fat, or tracheal matrix, causing the breakdown of the moth's body as well as vomiting and diarrhea, thus killing the insect. Microbial control may be able to safely reduce the moth's numbers when needed during infestations in populated areas. == References ==