66.007 Oak Eggar

Lasiocampa quercus

TQ4692 01/082019 ©Raymond Small

A large attractive moth that has a wingspan up to 75mm. It does not feed on oak; the name is derived because the cocoon is acorn-shaped. Males are daytime flyers, whereas females are nocturnal. The picture above is a female. Members of the family Lasiocampidae are sturdy medium-sized or large moths that typically have brown or yellowish wings. The forewings usually have a central spot or cross-lines. The males have wide feathery antennae which are used to detect pheromones released by females.