Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 854064

Eastern buckmoth
Hemileuca maia

Observation date: April 18, 2013
Date notes: During the week of 04-14-2013 to 04-20-2013
Submitted by: candipanda9870
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: It appeared to possibly be making a cocoon in the paneling on the side of my house. It was there for days, at first in this position, then it was hanging. I knew it was alive. I check 04-23-2013 to see if it was still there but its gone now. It was solid black except for some red patches on its feet. It had spikes, and each spike had 4-6 tiny spikes coming off it. The weather has been mild and we haven't had rain since the week before I spotted it. When I did check it a few times the week I discovered it I very gently prodded it with my key to make sure it wasn't dead and it would curl up and away. Eventually it would straighten back out into a hanging position. There were no plants near the caterpillar. Right under the area it was hanging on the house was nothing but dirt.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stomlins701
Verified date: April 23, 2013
Coordinator notes: Though the photo is a bit dark and fuzzy, the sighter's observation notes of a black body, the spines, and red patches on the feet helped identify this as the Eastern Buckmoth. There have been a number of sightings of this species and a related species this spring, as the caterpillars wander in search of a place to pupate.
Checklist region(s): United States, Texas, Ellis County