Spiny Oakworm – Anisota stigma
Spiny Oakworm – Anisota stigma
Common Name: Spiny Oakworm
Latin Name: Anisota stigma
Appearance:
The Spiny Oakworm is an amazing caterpillar with a distinguishing look. It has a tough body covered in long, spiny projections that give it a threatening and thorny look. The hue varies, ranging from green to brown, and it can grow to be around 2 inches long.
Host Plant:
Many types of oak trees serve as the Spiny Oakworm’s main host plant. When the caterpillars are in their larval stage, they devour oak leaves.
Territory:
The Spiny Oakworm is usually found in deciduous woods and forested places with an abundance of oak trees. Its range includes areas with a substantial oak tree population.
Damages caused by Spiny Oakworm:
Spiny Oakworm caterpillars feed on the leaves of oak trees during their larval stage, causing defoliation. While elder trees are typically not killed by the damage, substantial infestations can stress them out and have an impact on their overall health. Repeated infestations may reduce the development and vitality of oak stands.
Life History and Habitat:
The life history of the Spiny Oakworm involves distinct stages:
Egg Stage:
- Adult female moths deposit eggs on the undersides of oak leaves.
- Caterpillars emerge from eggs and begin eating on oak leaves.
- They go through multiple molting phases, during which the spines grow increasingly visible.
- Fully developed caterpillars spin cocoons on branches or leaf litter to reach the pupal stage.
- Adult moths emerge from pupae throughout the summer.
- Adults continue the life cycle by mating and depositing eggs.