BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS

Sheep Moth, Hemileuca eglanterina

Order: Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)

Size: Wingspan 2–3"

Habitat: A variety of habitats including coastal areas, mountains, woodlands, pastures, and scrubland

Range: West of the Continental Divide in the contiguous United States, most especially in California and the northwestern states

The Sheep Moth, also known as the Elegant Sheep Moth, is a silk moth of the West that can be found flying during the day. The wing pattern and coloration are extremely variable. Generally, it is rosy to pink on the forewing and yellow-orange on the hindwing, with both wings showing large, central black spots, marginal streaks, and transverse bands. In some regions, however, the dark markings are more extensive, reduced, or entirely absent. The underside wings are patterned as above. The body is long for a silk moth, with a thin abdomen. It is yellow to pinkish with a black-banded abdomen and feathered antennae (broader in the male). The caterpillar is blackish, often with dorsal red spots and white lines along the sides, and has rows of highly branched orange and black spines. The caterpillar eats plants from the rose family (Roseaceae), ceanothus, willow, and aspen. Adults do not feed. The illustration shows the male.